I think the solution is far from being obvious in part because we may have different conceptions of the “status quo.” Given that status quo can be loosely translated to “as things were before,” the questions are, “what things” and “before what?” As your post ably demonstrates, answers to these questions depends on our own lived history with a specific institution and our understanding of the university as a part of society. And, by this I mean “university” in the most generic sense and also Carleton specifically. Perhaps as members of our community meet to discuss our new “mandate” as requested by the Ontario government, we might grapple with Carleton’s history, what we’ve become and our place in the larger whole of education in Ontario.

As for the metaphor/joke about light-bulb changing, the deepest, darkest fear as we watch the economies of the world in turmoil is that there may not be a light bulb to change. Then the question might be, “How many professors does it take to figure out how to make our light bulb last a long time?” Maybe that’s what we’re doing already as part of maintaining the “status quo,” and we don’t even know it.

I’m glad you take the time to share your thoughts on the blog.
tim