Great news about Gallaudet: They're safe!!!

This morning, I saw this news passing by: Nation's top school for the deaf taken off probation .

This is the continuing fallout of the BIG student protest that happened a year ago at Gallaudet. Things are taking a good turn. Finally!

Gallaudet University, the only university for the deaf was on the verge of losing its accreditation. The student protest last year has triggered a review by its accreditor... and the university was sent an ultimatum, err... put on probation: Bluntly, they have a year to straighten things up... or they'll lose their accreditation.

Accreditation is paramount for Gallaudet. Without it, no federal money. Since a whopping 80% of its budget is funded by federal money, it isn't a stretch to say that the very *survival* of Gallaudet University is at stake.

(By the way, in term of fundings, this brings Gallaudet quite in line with Canadian universities).

Governance, low enrolments, poor grades have been plaguing Gallaudet University for years, and under the ultimatum, those are some of the sore points which immediate solutions have to be brought in. Within a year. Ootch.

Unfair? Maybe... but it's counterproductive to bite at the hand that feeds you. So you have to play by their rules, and not by the rules you want to play.

(It's also the drama of being a minority drown in a majority, and the majority deciding what's good for you. If you understand that, you have also understood why so many conflicts around the world happen, but I digress terribly here!)

From the student protest...
Out was Fernandes,
In is Davila... at the helm of the university.

You know the hallmarks of a great leader?
-To take unpopular decisions... and still have the support of the community,
- To be able to turn around almost literally on a dime a big institution like an university.

He took several controversial decisions (such as making bilingualism official, English/ASL, raising admission standards, etc...)

And now this news...

So, I think that Davila is a great leader. :)

Cheers,

-E

----

Related links:
Gallaudet University: FAQ about accreditation and MSCHE
Washington Post, May 2007: Accreditation concerns remain for Gallaudet
Op-ed, Washington Post, July 2007: Gally's Choice