Thread by @TRyanGregory

I am all for generating revenue using University assets to support scholarships, library projects, phone systems, etc. However, I cannot convey how utterly frustrating and demoralizing it is to have this take priority over our core mission in education and research. 🧵

@uofg

I am talking specifically about moving key real estate assets to the Heritage Fund.

uoguelph.ca/secretariat/bo…

Once the admin includes a building or property under this fund, generating revenue becomes the top priority for its use, period, no matter what else someone may propose.

I recently proposed the use of a major donated -- and for more than a decade, unused -- property that would have included all of the following:

1. Restoring a building to create a UofG Nature Centre, with space for research, teaching, and public engagement.

2. Establishing long-term research projects in biomonitoring, climate change, and One Health.

3. Creating accessible, affordable local field courses.

4. Experiential learning and job readiness opportunities for our new programs in wildlife biology and One Health.

5. Education about and engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems, including co-creating interactive nature walks and workshops to share knowledge and promote two-eyed seeing, and building meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities.

6. Alumni, donor, and public engagement events.

7. Creating field biology opportunities for elementary and high school students from underserved communities.

8. Developing art-science collaborations around themes of natural history, biodiversity, conservation.

But not even a "These ideas are great, how can we help you make it happen?". It was right to "The property also needs to generate profit, so how can we do that?".

I am so done trying to do anything with this administration.

#ImproveLife