Changing her tune

Daughters,

President Mistick is on record with the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that Wilson College did not become co-educational because of dire financial straits and fiscal cliffs but “that the decision to go co-ed was part of a more comprehensive change to their culture and vision.”

She also shares her thoughts on a continuing need for women’s college:

“That said, there is still a place for women’s colleges, said Barbara Mistick, president of Wilson College in Chambersburg, which started admitting men in the fall.

“I still believe that there is a very distinct need for women’s colleges — not all women feel comfortable and competitive in coed environments and generally we want to support diversity of options,” she said. “But my sense is that we will not see as many women’s institutions in the future as we see today.”

Perhaps the reason we will not see as many women’s institutions in the future is due to your own tunnel vision Dr. Mistick and your efforts in bringing Stevens Strategy (known for turning women’s colleges to co-education) to the Commission on Shaping the Future of Wilson College and using the scare tactics of financial distress to snap older, wealthy alumnae in line to your thinking.

Income Inequality

Another casualty of income inequality?

Wilson College in Chambersburg PA was founded after the Civil War by two Presbyterian clergy to provide women with education equal to that provided to men. The “small but mighty” college for women provided rigorous liberal arts education to women of a variety of economic backgrounds. The president of the college during the decades from the 1930s through the 1960s had strong Princeton ties and Wilson College thought of herself as a “little sister” school to Princeton during this time.

After peak student enrollment in the late 1960s, Wilson like most other colleges in the US faced the challenge of declining student enrollment. In 1979, the board of trustees voted to close the college and create a foundation with the college president as head of the foundation. The alumnae, students and faculty rose up in opposition and took the matter to court where the judge reversed the BOT decision.

The college continued to struggle with enrollment. Additional programs in equine studies along with a veterinary medical technology program and an evening school for adult learners (both male and female) were added. Unfortunately the admissions office narrowed its focus on more and more local recruitment.

Today the admissions department is recruiting local area students—who want job training and cannot afford to pay for a private college education. What happened to the liberal arts college?

Three years ago, the board of trustees hired a high energy, entrepreneurial woman as president. Barbara Mistick, who had previously headed the Pittsburgh public library system, stated in a Pittsburgh news article that she was going to “save” the “struggling college for women” and referenced Seton Hill, a college where she had previously worked as a success story of a college for women becoming a regional coed university.

But what happened to the Presbyterian-related college for women? Why didn’t the BOT do due diligence and study how the college for women might thrive before changing its mission? Why wasn’t the admissions program revamped to recruit students nationally and internationally? Why the rush to job-training programs when it is well-documented that liberal arts training is valuable for the long run? Why should liberal arts education be available only to students at a Harvard or a Wellesley?

Chambersburg is on the edge of the growing, affluent DC metro area in the midst of a rich agricultural region. The college was endowed with a farm which now has organic certification. Wilson College has a long history of strong science education. Why did the current president shutter the college library which was in need of a heating system replacement and keep it closed—now for a third year—while she raises money to demolish the section built in 1960 to replace it with lockers for commuter students, the bookstore and a coffee bar? Where is the obligation of the board of trustees for providing women with a liberal arts education?

Peggy Kilmer ’66

Censorship continues

The views expressed in Class Notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, the Alumnae Association or the college.

Daughters,

The above disclaimer is from the Wilson Magazine (formerly The Alumnae Quarterly) Class Notes section. This sentence has been re-printed for many years without requiring the need for severely editing the alumnae class notes section of the magazine. Also included in past class notes were news of alumnae and/or their spouses running for office— local or national without the need for severe editing. For many years, the Class Correspondent collected news from classmates, edited and compiled that news and provided it to the Alumnae Office to be published in the Quarterly/Magazine. This grassroots way of encouraging classmates to stay in touch with each other and conversely with the College resulted in some entertaining and colorful anecdotes of alumnae as they moved through life. Alumnae Office staff, in a nod of respect to alumnae and appreciation for these volunteer efforts would check only for spelling and grammar errors. This longtime understanding came to a crashing halt as the Alumnae Quarterly morphed into Wilson Magazine. Along with that change came additions to the Class Correspondents duties including required knowledge of AP style writing, something that the college staff took care of in their spelling and grammar check in previous years. These changes were presented at the inaptly named Leadership Weekend that was held September 21-23. Within the weekend, workshops were held to explain a new volunteer handbook, interestingly the handbook states  the class notes are not a forum for editorializing. Focus on reporting (pg. 19). This is the only space where any suggestion of inappropriate topics is alluded. Nowhere in this handbook is there a statement to the fact that Class Notes would be slashed if needed. Yet, at Leadership Weekend it was heavily discussed in person by the coordinator of class notes who skirted around answering pointed questions regarding the new censorship guidelines. No examples were given yet it became very clear, without being said, that any reporting of the criticism of the President of Wilson College, of any decision made by the college or any mention of anything to do with such topics would be eliminated from said class note and if need be the person’s update would not be included at all in the Magazine’s publication. In reality, this rule was applied to any statements that did not portray Wilson in a positive light. One alumna subscriber of this blog informs us her reporting of information regarding the state of the John Stewart Memorial Library was cut out and all that remained was the appeal to donate for the renovations.

One wonders to what end is the administration working toward. The Volunteer Handbook cheerily exclaims Class Notes are the largest and most popular section of Wilson Magazine (pg. 17). To what end does it serve to further alienate more alumnae through this censorship. Do they intend to make Class Notes the smallest and most unpopular section of Wilson magazine? Or is this just another step in changing this publication from an Alumnae-focused publication to another college brochure with horrid layout? Is it a coincidence that the current Magazine is missing news from more than a decades’ worth of alumnae?

Preserving Wilson College

Sarah Wilson Speaks

Daughters,

A Post Script from a sister:

What You Have Done:

Since the call went out for donations to the Preserve Wilson for Women Fund, you (and your family and friends) have donated $7,525.00 to the cause! From every decade since the 1950s, you have opened your hearts and your pocketbooks. Your donations have ranged from $10 to $2,000. Many of you have written that you wish you could give more and many of you have promised to send more when you can. Your notes have made me laugh and cry and your generosity has made me even more determined to carry on. Thank you.

What You Didn’t Know:

Counsel was retained before the Preserve Wilson for Women Fund was established. Two alumnae paid the first retainers of $5,000 and $2,500. This means that alumnae and friends have donated a total of $15,025.00 for the legal effort since January 13th…

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Wilson College in the Business of Censoring Alumnae

Daughters,

Wilson College continues its transformation contrary to the assurances President Mistick provided in October 2011 that traditions would stay the same. This time, transformation does not stop at the undergraduate college but now spills into the Alumnae Association of Wilson College. The Wilson College Alumnae Quarterly, a publication so named because it provided a link to and from alumnae to the college; provided news and latest college developments and most importantly, provided the ever popular “Class Notes” section. This section—written, edited and produced as a result of the hard work of alumnae class correspondents—has been gutted by the College’s Office of Communications. The publication is now named The Wilson Magazine. The writing has improved but that seems to be the only positive change. The design and lay out of the publication has seen better days, and less white space, when it was still the Alumnae Quarterly. And most egregiously, the lack of institutional memory when it comes to legacy alumnae. This round of Class Notes were not only re-edited, they were re-edited poorly and in some cases alumnae updates were not published at all.  One alumna asks “What does the censorship of class notes say about those responsible acting with integrity as required by the Honor Principle?”

Class Notes was a section in which a graduate could share their successes, losses, vacation trips and life milestones, speak about themselves….in essence editorialize about oneself. The College and President Mistick now claim Class Notes is a place to socialize not editorialize. My dears, she seems to have gotten the essence of Class Notes backwards, for if that is now the case, socializing is best done in the flesh and there is no longer a place for alumnae in this new variation of the formerly named Alumnae Quarterly.

Instead of producing a second publication and allowing the Alumnae Quarterly to continue, the college chose to hijack one publication for another. The sacrifice? Alumnae. This new Wilson Magazine clearly has become the marketing tool of the college, to showcase to the outside world the administration’s vision for Wilson. This includes editing what Wilson’s alumnae say, for a marketing tool cannot be effective if alumnae share what is truly going on behind the curtain. Yet, what the college will not be able to control, is what current and prospective students that is, future alumnae, will learn from this: If you treat your alums in this way, why should I attend this institution?

Letter from Executive Board of Wilson College Alumnae Association

                                                               November 26, 2013

Dear Members:

The Alumnae Quarterly began as a way for alumnae to stay connected – not only with the college but with each other.  It was designed to keep alumnae up to date on the happenings at the college, to keep alumnae engaged and to encourage alumnae to give to their alma mater.

As you know, some comments were “edited” from the Class Notes section of the recently published Wilson Magazine.  When we became aware that this was going to happen, we (the Alumnae Association and the Alumnae/i Relations Office) went to the Marketing and Communications Department and requested that they not go through with this.  Obviously, our words were not heeded.

Last week, President Cramer paid a visit to Brian Speer (VP for Marketing and Communications) to articulate our frustration with this issue of the Magazine.  Subsequently, Dr. Mistick commented on the Editing of Class Notes.  Their explanation:  Class Notes is a place to socialize not editorialize.  “All comments – both for and against the decision – were removed…”

The Association cannot recall a time when any class notes were not published in their entirety.  A statement at the forefront of the class note section states “Class Notes do not necessarily reflect the views of staff, the Alumnae Association or the College.”  During the Marketing and Communications session at Leadership Weekend, the membership was informed that editorial comments (political and religious) would not be allowed; and promoting a personal business would also not be permitted.  All of these are reasonable.

The graduates of Wilson College want the college to succeed.  We want enrollment to grow.  We want giving to increase.  We want others to receive the same quality education we received.  And, we want to keep in touch with both our College and our classmates.

The Alumnae Association represents nearly 8,000 alumnae/i and respects the right of each member to hold and speak their own opinion.

The Executive Committee

Alumnae Association of Wilson College

 

Wilson Helps Students Pay Off Loans

Daughters,

Wilson Helps Students Pay off Loans–WHAG Coverage

The College has unveiled its requirements for the student loan buyback program. A full-time student meeting the following requirements can earn up to $10,000 of their Federal Stafford Load to be paid back by the college:

• 3.5-3.69 GPA earns $5,000 paid off
• 3.7-3.89 GPA earns $7,500 paid off
• 3.9 or higher GPA earns $10,000 paid off
• First time college student
• Degree earned within four continuous years

Where is this funding coming from? Must the GPA level be maintained continuously through the four years earning a degree? This is a wonderful way to retain students, however, why did Wilson have to go co-ed to do this?

 

Charter Changes Submitted to PA Dept. of Education

Daughters,

Your proposed new Charter (also available in the Documentation and Information section)

Wilson College PA Dept. of Education Application Redlined revisions to Charter

Changes are bigger than eliminating the College for Women

Daughters,

Your attention is needed at this time to become educated about the College’s Charter and By-Laws. Much of the discussion and turmoil from the past year has surrounded the College’s decision to eliminate the College for Women, however, that is not where this administration and Board of Trustees will stop, nor was it their only goal.

At the same time that the College submitted changes to the charter to reflect that change to co-education, they also submitted the following additional changes:

• A reduction in the required minimum amount of unrestricted money in the endowment. This opens up the college to all sorts of “progress” even those that may result in the selling off of assets, be they land, buildings or both. As long as the College can show they are maintaining $500,000 unrestricted in the endowment.
• The elimination of the requirement of at least 8 full-time, tenured faculty/professors. This is of monumental concern as this has been the trend in higher education, the moving towards adjunct faculty is a cheaper way for those for-profit institutions to grow their bottom line. This move toward adjunct faculty has also resulted in violations of fair labor laws and is a hot topic.

My daughters, I fear the administration has used the co-educational change as a diversion tactic to divide and conquer the tight alumnae support base that has always supported the College. This has backfired due to the overall treatment of alumnae and has resulted in less giving, money and otherwise, to the College. We must now rally behind the original intent of Wilson College: To educate women in an institution of higher learning provided by full professors and supported by a strong endowment as stipulated by a Charter and By-Laws unneutered by this administration and Board of Trustees.

Finally, consider this development: Leslie Durgin ’69 former chair of the Committee on Shaping the Future of Wilson College was named Vice President of the College Board of Trustees, replacing Paula Tishok ’71 who resigned at the May ’13 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Finally still, ask yourself where is the shared governance that is (was) the backbone of College legislation? Was faculty consulted on these changes to the charter? Student Government?

As shareholders of this College, we must demand answers and most importantly speak out.

Open Letter to President Barbara Mistick

Daughters,

Another alumna has expressed their concern with the direction in which Wilson is headed.

Open Letter to President Barbara Mistick

Dear Ms. Mistick:

The following is a list of questions concerning your relatively short tenure at Wilson College and the fractured college community that now exists.  Wilson College has historically been a proud institution with a bright future as a center for women’s education.  You were hired with the understanding that you would advance the mission and vision of Wilson College.  It appears, in just two years time, that the College’s future is in serious jeopardy as a result of your decision to abandon Wilson’s mission and vision.

Here are my questions based on statements you made to members of the Wilson College community:

1. You stated, “As someone with a lifelong commitment to the advancement of women, I strongly believe that women’s colleges are an essential part of making higher education accessible.”

What happened to that lifelong commitment?

1. You stated, “Sustaining a career as a leader, advocate for women and public figure in my community is linked to my personal identity and integrity”, and furthermore, “I would expect that daily I will answer the question about the relevancy of a women’s college.”

What happened to your advocacy for women and belief in the relevancy of a women’s college?

1. One attribute of a good leader is her willingness to recognize when a mistake has been made and to have the courage to change course.  Recently, Wilson’s financial condition was ranked excellent when you took office in July 2011, revealing that the entire underpinning for the course you have chartered simply did not exist.

What has happened to student enrollment under your leadership?

What has happened to alumnae giving and donor relations?

Is Wilson meant to be the capstone of your career or merely a stepping-stone?

I expect you to embrace Wilson’s Honor Principle, which demands that members of the community act with respect and integrity, and face the reality that you have taken Wilson College down the wrong road.  It is time to change course or step aside to allow for new leadership.

Sarah Wilson

Recruitment improved

Daughters,

It is clear as crystal that Wilson College needed to open its recruitment efforts to males. As the improved recruitment efforts this year illustrate.

This picture was provided by a daughter of the college and was taken at the college fair at Hanover High School, just one hours time from the Wilson College campus. Were I a high school student of either gender I would no doubt be attracted by this wonderful display. It is proof that the recruiting effort by Wilson administration was never at issue or one of the causes for poor enrollment at the College. A similarly effective display was spotted in the Harrisburg area as well. Note that Wilson College has benefited enough from going co-ed that there is no need to use any gimmicks as seen by other colleges and universities. No need for wasteful use of a video display showing the campus or students and faculty interacting, we are, after all, a green campus. Not to mention the money that was saved for more important things instead of paying for someone to be present to speak about Wilson College and interact with parents and prospects. That is best done by electronic mail. So much more effective.

Have you seen any more examples of such recruitment? If so, please share as we must commend the College for its improvements.