You are all students of Crandall University - you have had the benefit of years of experience with the institution (albeit in different contexts - part-time, full-time, degree competion, BA, BBA, etc.). Based upon your experiences, suggest a metaphor to describe your perception of the leadership culture at the University. What is the basis for your perception? What do you think of what others have suggested?
You might find page 494 and surrounding pages useful in making your determination. Also, if you need a refresher on what metaphors are, for fun check out this video [if the link doesn't work try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFgRj-5d5Ac ].
Finally, you might also have a look at this article from Administrative Science Quarterly - it's a bit dated, but I think the application of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale to illuminate organizational leadership practices is pretty cool!
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| Spin straw into gold, or fail Leadership!! (just kidding ;o) |
Even though Crandall has changed its name from the Atlantic Baptist University, I still feel that there is a strong interdependant value in religion. I feel that a lot of the full time students would be much more exposed to this culture, and I believe that many of the leaders in the university would be regarded as good Christians.
ReplyDeleteI was never opposed to the idea studying religion, however I felt I knew very little about it. The metaphor I would use would be "my mind is a blank slate". I felt that even though some of the courses required for degree completion were geared towards religious culture, it has opened my eyes to a lot of different ideas, and has trigged a a desire to gain more knowledge in areas that I found interesting.
"A few kind words speak volumes"
ReplyDeleteThis is how I would describe my experience at Crandall. I have had a great deal of support and a lot of genuine kindness and understanding from not just one or two of the professors I have enoucountered, but the entire teaching staff I have come in contact with over the past year and a half. It would appear that this has been embedded into the culture here. The fact that all staff members are understanding, kind, patient and embracing, says a lot about how much the school values its students---I would dare say that this is rare (my University aged children who attend different institutions would agree)
The metaphor that I have chosen is “School is a gateway to Adulthood”. Although the metaphor does not relate directly to the leadership I have experienced at Crandall, it does show what I have taken from the leadership. When I transferred to Crandall I had previously been to two Universities. I did not click with either of them and still struggled to get into a groove when I came to Crandall. Eventually I sat down with my academic advisor and we discussed a way for me to get my degree in a way that worked for me. Needless to say it took me a long time to finally figure out that I didn’t need to get my degree in the typical four years and that there were alternative methods in getting it done. The guidance I received from my advisor made me realize that as an adult I have the ability to make changes in my life even if they are not the route most taken by others. Through this process I have matured and gotten to know myself better. The support and guidance I have received after coming to Crandall has really changed my relationship with University for the better.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to Barb in that I feel very fortunate to go to a school that knows me as an individual and cares about my well being. The student really is important at Crandall. The previous example I gave showed the effort the school put into making me a successful and happy student. I have to agree with Barb again when comparing my university experience with others. I know many people who are getting their degree and when I hear stories about their experiences at school I am always happy to be attending Crandall. Too often I hear stories about my friends and family attending large universities and there being no personal connection to the staff at school. It may not seem that important to know the administration and your teachers, but when you have a question or concern it is always nice to have a contact that can give you advise and guidance that you trust.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is a metaphor but it applies to me...."I am the master of my fate. The captain of my soul". In any organization or culture there is a tendency for people to get 'lost'. I work for a company that has about 1000 employees here in Moncton and at times have felt adrift. We work in teams but at the end of the day it comes back to the individual. There is a support system in place but I have to use it. I think the same applies to university life at Crandall. As an ALPS student, who has completed the 2 year portion of the program, I sometimes feel disconnected from others who are still attending classes once a week. I have a couple of electives left and don't feel apart of the culture at Crandall. The support is there but it is my choice to use it.
ReplyDeleteI think the leadership culture at Crandall is strong. The professors have a more intimate relationship with students as the classes are smaller. As an adult learner, I think it is an advantage for students to be able to go to a university where you are able to have a closer relationship with the administration, professors and other studnets....not as likely to get lost!
ReplyDeleteBarb is right, everyone at the university has always been kind, accomodating and patient. I am not sure if this is because of the Christian values the professors have representing Crandall, or because they are just genually great people. Either way, the experience I have had at Crandall has been a pleasure and I would recommend the school and the culture to anyone. Even though I have only attended the ALPS program and did not see many of the day to day culture that Crandall represents, the values have been expressed in the attitudes of the professors.
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