Another Worry about Absenteeism

[COBLENTZ@DT3.DT.UH.EDU]

This discussion about absenteeism has reminded me of one of those 
uncomfortable truths about writing centers.  Where else does a worker
have to find a replacement when sick, or whatever?  Telling our tutors 
to behave professionally and holding up this finding your own substitute 
business as an example?  Yeah, really.

I think it may be another hold over from our on the margin beginnings.  
Obviously, someone who is consistently absent risks being fired, but if
Writing Centers were really professional and funded, their universities
would pay substitutes.  I would hate to have do that bit of coordinating, but
it seems much more ethical and professional to me.  It is not, of course, what
we do.  What we do is much like comp time, on a personal favor level.  

Linda Coblentz
UH-Downtown