1580 replies to this topic

[lanforod]

So given the context of when she researched and wrote it, how is it a comedy?

 

Would a similar paper on the role of the telephone in maintaining and extending social networks in 1890 be a comedy as well?

[Victoria Watcher]

So given the context of when she researched and wrote it, how is it a comedy?

 

Would a similar paper on the role of the telephone in maintaining and extending social networks in 1890 be a comedy as well?

 

Not comparable.  By 2000 half of us adults had mobile phones.

 

The words "smart" or "smartphone" do not appear in her thesis.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 10:18 AM.

[lanforod]

Fine, then, the telephone in 1950 or 1960.

[Victoria Watcher]

I’m just saying it’s a lightweight, silly topic.

But so is UVic.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 10:39 AM.

[lanforod]

If its lightweight and silly, why are you making a big deal of it?  Anyways, I don't understand how anyone can raise a stink over this hiring. She has the experience in higher ed, in Canada, in research, and in leadership that this position necessitates. Can someone 'better' be found? Perhaps, but that's true for practically every hiring decision anywhere.

[Victoria Watcher]

If its lightweight and silly, why are you making a big deal of it?  Anyways, I don't understand how anyone can raise a stink over this hiring. She has the experience in higher ed, in Canada, in research, and in leadership that this position necessitates. Can someone 'better' be found? Perhaps, but that's true for practically every hiring decision anywhere.

 

I guess you are right.  UVic has a DEI hiring policiy and she fits the criteria.  It worked as planned.  The right are complaining that there is such a policy, but the left seem to be upset the plan is working.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 11:50 AM.

[Mike K.]

Can you extrapolate a bit more about the left being upset the plan is working?

[Matt R.]

Yeah clearly wasn’t worth having proper insurance on.

[Victoria Watcher]

Can you extrapolate a bit more about the left being upset the plan is working?

The left will rarely admit someone is a “DEI hire” even when the hiring system is in place and followed.

[lanforod]

At the same time, every hire who fits as a DEI hire is assumed to be one by the right?

No one wins.

[Victoria Watcher]

At the same time, every hire who fits as a DEI hire is assumed to be one by the right?

No one wins.

 

That's why it is a bad idea.

 

150 comments on the hire on X at BiV and TC, ony 1 or 2 positive.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, Yesterday, 01:29 AM.

[lanforod]

People suck.

[Victoria Watcher]

People suck.

 

Or the policy does, leading to those opinions on X?

[lanforod]

IMO - both.

[Victoria Watcher]

From the new President, published April 7, 2026:

 

https://www.theglobe...-year-students/

 

 

Grades are failing first-year students. Let’s scrap them

 

 

 

First-year grades also penalize students during a transformational period when they adapt to new academic expectations, new social environments and, often, living independently for the first time. Yet we attach high-stakes grades to this moment and treat them as reliable indicators of long-term potential.

 

Scrapping grades in favour of a pass-fail first year would let students explore fully. In his book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein argues that people who draw on diverse fields, including scientists leaning into humanities and the arts, are better problem-solvers and more innovative thinkers. In medicine, the ability to interpret narratives, grapple with ambiguity and communicate with creativity is central to good care. Yet our grading system pushes students away from attaining these skills.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, Yesterday, 08:04 AM.

[Mike K.]

See, that’s the problem right there.

In technical schools, either you build to-code, or you fail. Now in academia, you will pass, so long as you show up.

That first year was a critical reset for me. It was a barometer that helped shape the rest of the journey. Also, it just means students will drop out in larger volumes in second year. But hey, that means an additional year of revenue for universities.

[max.bravo]

Surely this logic will help uvics ranking lol

[lanforod]

I don't have access to read the article fully. Interesting position in that little snippet, and difficult to see all possible ramifications of such a move, pros and cons etc.

 

I think it will also vary a lot on a student to student, course load level, and what program you're in whether the position that grades are high pressure in the first year holds up.  

I'll add my own anecdote to the pile. I took 12 courses in my first year (maximizing a first year scholarship). Of those 2 were actually a problem for me where I was struggling to get a good grade and those two experiences helped drive my choices in future course selection. If I'd only been told 'you pass' without really knowing how bad I did, I'm not sure I'd be where I am today.

Edited by lanforod, Yesterday, 10:16 AM.

[dasmo]

All these kids will be is prompt engineers and AI artists anyway. All you need is to show up.

[LJ]

All these kids will be is prompt engineers and AI artists anyway. All you need is to show up.

But that would surely devalue the degree. If you can pump them out easily and almost anyone can learn to produce, wages are going to drop.