This is a sticky topic because there are some in this thread commenting based off of second-hand information and known "stigmas" that have existed for years. Then there are some that have first hand experience, and are currently working at Liberty who's opinion should obviously be held to a higher degree, but it's hard to separate the two with an online forum that for the most part is faceless.
Needless to say for those who are unfamiliar with any of the discussions in this thread be careful gathering all of your information and/or basing your opinion on only what you read here. There are some valid points in here though....but again, only a few can actually separate the two.
I'm not going to indulge in too much of this conversation simply because I'm not confident a lot of good can come from defending either side. I think LU would be the first to admit that through the years they have not always compensated as well as others...heck, even as well as LU would liked to have compensated their employees. That was due to circumstance, now its pretty well publicized that the circumstances are a little different. Not EVERYTHING can be announced through press releases and statements by the Chancellor. Without discussing the details (I wouldnt discuss them in private or on a message board nonetheless) but LU has been working very hard researching pay scale's on the national and local level for departments. This resulted in a significant raises in the department...and I'd like to emphasize the word significant. This was months in the making after researching and making the changes work on paper (when I say work hard, I really mean it working hours into the night for months for certain individuals). Now I'm sure it's off to another department to evaluate their current status....and so on and so on. These are all things happening as we speak...literally. There are hundreds of stories at Liberty of someone stepping down from their current position but LU kept them on staff for a number of years after the fact as a goodwill gesture for their service and sacrifices through the years (sacrifices were more of a thing in the past then now).
I saw someone else mention the cost of living increase. I will preface my comments with my opinion that I do believe that we should receive it and that it goes a long way showing that you value the employee...BUT it's not my RIGHT to receive it, I can only hope to. We did receive an increase last year though, it may not have been what we were used to or expected but it still was an increase (and larger than the year before!). Ask a Bedford County school teacher when the last time they received a cost of living increase and they'll laugh at you! Heck an increase of any kind for that matter. Even a simple decision like that can cost tens of millions of dollars and takes departments months to plan for and execute. There are times where planning some of these large structures you see on campus can be easier than planning a department or university wide increase of any kind...and they have to deal with our city!
To Alum's point that there are a lot of people lined up for an individuals position at Liberty. While that might be looked at as cold-blooded business it is true. I will also point out though that with each individual that leaves Liberty (with quite a few years service) a piece of Liberty leaves with them....even if it's a tiny fraction that can barely be seen. While we can hope that the new hire brings a new piece of Liberty with them...the odds are it will not be the same piece with the same stories and sense of history and most importantly the "Liberty lessons" learned along the way which can be very difficult to place a value on.
Sorry for the length, I too have job related concerns at times and get worried even recently in fact. That's when I take a step back and take a deep breath and stop looking at the few negatives that may exist but rather look at the big picture...which if anyone on here does....it looks great!
EDIT: JK you posted a few things I touched on while I was posting this ironically enough...but that's why I didnt address your comments directly. While that was a baited question (which I'm not going to take!) I believe that you should/do know that a vast majority of those bricks as of late add value to individuals as well....and they are quite excited about them. We cant have it both ways just yet, where everything is fixed with a snap of the fingers. Its like the people who Extreme Home Makeover rebuilt their house...and then they turn around and sue ABC because their increased taxes.....WE JUST BUILT YOU A HOUSE WHICH YOU ASKED FOR! Give me a minute to work on the taxes!
- By flamehunter
- By jmclaughlin
- By LUOrange