Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Recent Issues: Wireless and Financial Aid
I believe it is important to discuss publicly not only our many successes but also our occasional failures. As Oscar Wilde once said, experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. As I work with the many wonderful people who ensure the Law School is able to educate and advance knowledge through research, I have emphasized how important it is for me as both a leader and a manager (knowing not every leader is a manager, and vice versa), to address problems in a productive manner, asking what can be done to improve, rather than in a destructive manner, allocating blame – except in the rare instances it is necessary to do so.
There are two particular failures that, whatever their origin, ultimately are my responsibility: (1) the recurring problem with our wireless system; and (2) the recent delay of a number of financial aid checks.
As to the first issue, I’d like to assure everyone that there is not any intention to turn off the wireless network, and if that were ever done deliberately (e.g., for system maintenance or upgrades), we would provide advance notice. It turns out that some recent renovations inadvertently affected some of the hardware for the wifi, and that problem has been corrected. The nature of the problem meant that the central C&IT department believed, erroneously, the wifi was operational when in fact it was not. I’ve worked with the central C&IT department to ensure that prior to the roll-out of full-scale laptop exams, and then on a regular basis at the end of each semester, the wireless system is tested.
As to the second issue, I’ve discussed it at length with the appropriate authorities within the central administration. It appears to be a one-time problem arising from the processing of the mail. I have requested they consider, and they are amenable to investigating the possibilities of, either direct deposit or in-person pick-up. I expect to continue working with the central administration.
Thank you.
