With all due respect to our current faculty council, I know the ballots have been distributed, and I know I need to cast my vote by Monday. However, I am concerned about the process because… IF I am one of the new 10 faculty members and I am being asked to cast a vote for a faculty representative AND I do not know any of these candidates (’cause they ain’t on my floor and I just started workin’ here 7 weeks ago), how do I vote? I am either making an educated guess about a candidate OR I’m thinking “eenie, meenie, minie, mo, if that’s the way it’s got to go.”
Ditto if I’m a recently tenured faculty member; three portfolios later and I may still not know a single candidate.
Ditto if I’m a full tenured faculty member; one, or two DEC reviews later and I may not know all the candidates.
Seriously, I do not fault our current faculty council members for following the norm when it comes to distributing ballots; but given that we have this blog, I invite all of the nominated candidates to share a few words over the weekend so that ALL faculty members can make an informed decision (if you have not done so already).
I’ll even throw out a question for all our nominees (kinda like the political debates on TV-just call me the moderator):
What thoughts ran through your head when you accepted the nomination to serve on our faculty council?
You can answer the question or use it as a starting point. You have the floor, candidates…
The Harold Lounge 
Wow Thank you Realist! I would love to share a few thoughts of your request.
I’ll just start by introducing myself… My Name is Jess Bader and I am an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of 3D in the Department of Art & Architecture. I first joined the HWC family in 2000 as a part-time instructor, fresh out of grad school from SAIC, and quickly learned I really loved our school. I was invited to be full-time in 2003 and have happily served our students to date and wish to do so for a very long time.
I currently serve on the Space Committee, Art/Arch Strategic Planning Committee, and the current search committee for a new full-time photo instructor. I participate in Art/Arch Dept. meetings, and am working with the Pathway/Transfer initiative.
On a personal note I try to create my own person art works in clay and continue my practice within the ceramics community. I just bought an old house about a year ago, that I really love, and am trying to restore it to its original beauty. Ah yes, a functional work of art. I am an active member on the board of the South East Humboldt Park Block Club in an effort to revitalize our neighborhood.
Hhhmmmmm… What went through my mind when I learned I was nominated? I had a mad dash of adrenaline! Lol… Well, I thanked the guy who nominated me and was really honored by the thought that my good colleague thinks I would do a good job on the council. I think the caliber of our current Faculty Council is impeccable and inspiring. I would proudly serve with this forum if elected.
As an aside I think it was about a week or so before I learned of my nomination I was thinking to myself how great of a job these individuals on the council have done and continue to do. I think this group has done an incredible job in identifying and addressing what is at the forefront of current issues that encompass faculty.
Alrighty then! Well I have to run here we have a walk the block thing in my neighborhood in minute here so… I hope this has shed some light on the mysterious Jess Bader. lol Sorry if this got a little lengthy – opps! Please feel free to ask me any questions I will do my best to answer them.
Thanks and enjoy this beautiful weather!!!!
Thank you Jess. I’m leaning towards a check mark in your box when I cast my vote. If I do not hear from other candidates, perhaps yours is the only name I’ll submit.
Again, thank you for your comment. It is very helpful!
Hi, Jess.
Thank you for sharing. Good luck!