Poll deadline extended

Last week I added a poll to the blog (top right) to get a sense of what folks were thinking about a potential UD / SJ(C?) partnership that included Dr. Dobler and Trustees. I've since extended the deadline to November 13th.

Polls like these cannot be taken too seriously. Consider the biases of readers of this blog, for example. Many of us likely felt mislead by Dobler and company at the time of closing, so it only makes sense that the poll would skew as it does.

However, I do think it points to a potential problem UD may encounter in attempting to set up camp here. There is likely to be vocal opposition, or at least a lack of support, for any deal that doesn't signal a departure from the past.

Hmm...

On a recent virtual visit to the Unversity of Dubuque via their website, I came across the following:



Look familiar? It appears (if the site is up to date) that the former President of Sheldon Jackson College is a special assistant to the President of Dubuque. This could be a good thing, as Dr. Haaland is sure to be as aware of SJ(C?)'s strengths and weaknesses as anyone. Yet it may also signify that the future of the campus may indeed too closely resemble its past.

UD to get Alaska Outpost?

Here's a link to the article.

There aren't any revelations in the article, but of note: Dr. Dobler states that SJ(C?) will be giving the campus to UD should the deal go through. Does this mean that Trustees will no longer have a role? Not sure. Dobler's comments to the Chamber a few weeks ago seemed to suggest that he and Trustees were an active part of the future of the campus.

I come across like a cheerleader for the whole thing, which might be overstating things a bit! I am hopeful, like most people, that something good can come out of this partnership. I remain opposed to a scenario in which the Trustees play a role in the future of students. Time will tell...