Re: using wcs to raise money

["Writing Consulting: Faculty Resources" <writingc@falcon.cc.ukans.edu>]

On Fri, 11 Jul 1997 cabrown@UTARLG.UTA.EDU wrote:

> Hi all.
> The attached message was submitted to our Engl. Dept. list during a rather
> contentious discussion as to where to find funds to raise GTA and Adjunct
> salaries.  I find this proposal rather disturbing and have not yet
> responded to it.  
> 
> I would appreciate any advice you can offer.  Does anyone know of  state
> funded university writing centers being used in this way?  What are your
> thoughts and opinions.
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 14:08:49 -0500 (CDT)
> 
> Subject: serious proposal for rasing money
> 
> Casting my usual flippancy aside, I do have a proposal for raising money
> internally - use the Writing Center as the base for consulting for local
> companies.  This is probably against regent's rules, but if it isn't any
> money raised through the collective expertise of the Writing Center could
> be used to augment dept stipends.  I have in mind presenting the Writing
> Center as a center for consulting on: editing, writing, hypermedia and
> public presentations.
> 
> 
> 
> 

I think campus-corporate cooperation is commendable--for pocketbooks as
well as for the "real world" experience that students can enjoy.  I would
be troubled, though, if students were used to generate funding for
services the school (taxpayer, etc.) should be funding. 

This sounds a bit like a biblical parable, but here goes--a worst case
scenario:  Let's say the company pays the school $50 for an hour of
service. It will get a service it needs for a fraction of what a
professional would charge, publicity, and potential tax breaks.  The
school's public relations folks will make this look like an innovative
collaboration, so the school will get its perks off the top--and probably
about $25 of that for "overhead charges."  By the time it gets to you, the
writing center is getting $25.  You pay the student $10 and keep $15 for
the center.  Why wouldn't the student whom you've trained, get smart and
go directly to the company and propose that he/she work for $25 an hour. 
The company will save $25 that's being lost someplace in the school, the
student will gain $15 and be able to cite the company as an employer, and
you'll be out your time and a trained employee and $15. 

I truly I'm giving the worst case-- Don't get me wrong, I think the
collaboration is important and potentially beneficial if the purpose is
legitimate and the dollar ducks are all in a row.  Why couldn't the
writing center become a clearinghouse for such services: for a fee, it
hires and trains consultants, who are paid a legitimate wage in the
workplace?
 
Pat McQueeney
Writing Consulting:  Faculty Resources
KU's Writing Across the Curriculum Service
(913) 864-4232
http://falcon.cc.ukans.edu/~writingc/index.html