The president of College of Micronesia should open all contract jobs when they come to the end
All contract jobs in administration and instructional affairs should be advertized after the contracts are terminated. in this way it opens up for competition and bring in new blood into the college system. Those who are on contract should also compete for the same job. Far too long they are too comfortable in sitting in the offices with air con and protect themselves by keep signing the same contract on and on. This is the reason cronies are protected by the system especially by the President.
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He then proposed the salary schedules which was eventually approved by the Board at that time. A Pohnpeian man was the President of COM-FSM at that time. He pegged positions and salaries to match the job requirements; and instructors/professors' salary to be based primarily on education achievements (degrees). I believe this is the same compensation plan that is used today. If this is the case, then, we cannot blame President Daisy--for a salary schedule that was implemented by a Micronesian President before President Daisy was hired. I may be wrong--if there are new versions of the 3 or 4 salary schedules that make up the compensation plan for COM-FSM. He did not create it; he just implemented was already in place when he came on board. Just my take.
Let us see the College Mission Statement under the current President.
Mission Statement:
"The College of Micronesia-FSM is a learner-centered institution of higher education that is committed to the success of the Federated States of Micronesia by providing academic, career and technical educational programs characterized by continuous improvement and best practices".
Can anyone tell me what this suppose to mean? Just whole bunch of words string together without meaningful future. Be your own judge.
While he was away, there were Acting Presidents and other people managing the college. Several issues:
If water to the dorm is not good, then, somebody else was responsible. That is why there is an VP for Administration; Maintenance people; etc. Also, Congress has approved funding to improve the water system in Palikir area--so I hope that will solve the water problems.
As for the Mission Statement, this, I believe, is something that is put together by COM-FSM staff, of course including the President, but is approved by the Board. I don't know what it means either but we can ask the Board which approved it.
Your suggestion of allowing all contracts to expire and then do a new recruitment for all position sounds good but it's not practical--you'll chase away potential employees who need some stability in their employment. Nobody in the real world does that: none of the governments in the FSM--from national to state to local--does that. No private business does that. No government-supported entities does that. It's too disruptive and most likely will result in nobody being interested working for the college--if that system were implemented. If you know of any large organization that does that--and does with success, please note it in this Forum; so we can give our admiration.
As for what you refer to as letter to the Board, I simply don't know; so we'll see if there is any reaction given that the Board meeting in coming up soon.
One thing that I agree with you is the need for organizations to look for ways to hire more Micronesians. Yes, there are rules and regulations but at the same time, we all need to provide opportunities for Micronesians; so that they will be developed and will be able to take over some of these key positions that you're talking about in the future.
At the same time, we should not discriminate against anybody--not the American President or Filipino workers or anybody. Just my thoughts on this nice and hot Saturday morning in Pohnpei with no typhoon in sight and no breeze to cool the hot houses.
I am sure the President can speak for himself as he is not a little kid, including his vice presidents and circle of defenders of the college practices. Yes, many organizations around the world and the FSM government have done so.. change people on contract to ensure the best minds are recruited. That practice is not interruptive but enhancing corporations and governments. The college does not know who is in the FSM returning from outside with best qualification and experience to inject new ideas into the college system. That is the reason that expiring contract should be declared wide open and those who think they can fulfil the position should have the opportunity to apply. I agree with more Micronesians to be hired with qualifications and experience. I think the college is discriminating against Micronesans.
As for drinking water, rainwater is good but no assurance since dead rats on the roof can get to the rainwater drinking system. COM-FSM can operate a small water purification system--a reverse osmosis or something.
Of course we differ from observing what is going on. You see red and I see black. We will see how the oversight turn out.
http://www.comfsm.fm/?q=board-policies
They are written through the college’s participatory governance structure (committees comprised of staff, faculty, and students who have a chance to dialogue on them and offer feedback). From there it goes to the colleges’s Executive Committee, then Cabinet, then the Board for final approval and adoption by the college. Legal review is also done where applicable.
The college is open and welcomes any public comments and questions, especially at our board meetings; where time is set aside for the community to ask questions and raise concerns.
Outside of the board meetings we are available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm to take your calls at any of our 6 campuses. We can be reached at the National Campus (691)320-2480 if you have any questions or comments, or via email at natioanl@comfsm.fm; or in person if you would like to make an appointment.
You have questions regarding the college? We would be more than happy to answer them for you. I invite you to come and dialogue with us on it. Let us not spread false information. If you feel we are not doing something right, let us know in person. How are we to know and fix ourselves if we are not aware of it?
My name is Shaun Suliol and I work for the college. I’d be more than happy to answer your queries too in person.
All I ask is that you understand all the context and substance of the subject matters your are discussing before sharing false information.
Exercise your right of free speech and expression, but bending truths is not right.
I look forward to hearing from any of you great minds in this thread.
Respectfully yours.
You posted the wrong policy anyway not related to the discussion. What does that tell us?
Again for you or anyone who has questions,
send us an email, give us a call, or come and see us. We’d more than happy to answer your questions.
If I were you, and I felt I had a legitimate grievance with COM-FSM, I'd take papawhy up on his offer and contact the college directly. The worst-case scenario is that your questions aren't answered (which I believe is how you feel right now), in which case there's no change; the best-case scenario is that your questions are answered to your satisfaction.
It's like asking a girl out. You're already not dating her, so you lose nothing by asking her out. You're already not feeling satisfied with our responses on MicronesiaForum, so you lose nothing by asking COM-FSM directly.
Yes, maybe I will do the last part of your comments which sounds more interesting than papawhy. Is he the public person or took the matter up himself without proper authorization from the College. In other words is he the official person representing COM. My inquiry said he is in an acting position and that is why. If he is not the official rep to speak on behalf of COM to the public, then it is a clear violation of COM policy itself and this will also be refer to oversight authorities. You get my drift Rich?