Flasback One: A Bumpy Start - 31 May 2011

Flasback One: A Bumpy Start

Back in 1991 when I became a full-timer at AUB, I received a memo inviting me to my first Arts and Sciences faculty meeting. My curiosity was fed with a confusing concoction of impressions.

The atmosphere at the meeting was somewhat informal, which I appreciated. On the other hand, something in the air didn't sink in very well. First of all, few of my English Department colleagues were present at the meeting; besides, it struck me that those general meetings were male-dominated back then. Secondly, all FAS departmental Chairs stood up and named all new faculty members, but my name was not mentioned although I was in physical proximity to the Chair at the time (whether that was a deliberate omission or not I honestly have no clue, but it definitely made an impression). And thirdly, an older faculty member from another department stood up and asked the dean defiantly, "Why are you terminating older, well qualified faculty members and bringing in these new hires? Is it because they're so cheap?"

Quite a start.


Posted by May Mikati on Tuesday, 31 May 2011, 10:09 AM

After Twenty Years at AUB - 17 May 2011

After Twenty Years at AUB


"Twenty years?" you may ask. Yes, I've been a full-time instructor in the Department of English since spring 1991 - a survivor.

After twenty years, have I soared or am I bored? Probably a bit of both.

After twenty years, can one judge AUB? Certainly, though in my case it always seems to be judging me as if I'm a new phenomenon!

What can one say about the faculty members and the students? Well, in short, they took a long time to understand and get used to, but one can see through them after some time. They don't seem to change much.

And the administration? That's ever-changing. One can't generalize about that though there are certain individuals that stay for so long that one begins to recognize them as true members of AUB.

As for the campus, it's as green and well-kept as ever - a boon to AUB. One of my favorite spots is the green field (which, parenthetically, now has artificial turf). I still jog there from time to time as part of my effort to stay fit, which also includes walking up and down the campus stairs every day - something I suspect most of my colleagues would expect only in a nightmare.

I hope to find the time to blog in more detail about the past twenty or so years. Stay tuned.

Posted by May Mikati on 17 May 2011, 10:14 AM