“The times, they are a-changin’,” said Bob Dylan, and it sure seems like you can throw that phrase at just about any year in recent history and find it apt. The most recent changes—in life during a pandemic, remote work, and technology—have forced us to adapt to a different way of life. I sometimes think about one of the last Guild meetings I attended before we shut down, when we were debating the viability of allowing full-time faculty to teach 100% DE. The consensus at that meeting was largely against allowing it. Ironic, then, that shortly after that conversation we all went fully remote, with MOUs allowing instructors to teach 100% online. Many still find this problematic, but others who had previously opposed such a change have rethought their position in light of the new realities we face.
Paradigm shifts like this also provide an interesting opportunity for innovation. When we are forced to think through an issue from a new angle, we may come up with new solutions that previously eluded us or seemed unfeasible through the lens of the old paradigm. I can’t think of a greater shift in the way we live and work than the changes brought upon us by the pandemic, and the new solutions it required.
It's been challenging—there’s no denying that. For many, simply surviving and carrying on during such times of struggle is enough. Finding healthy ways to adapt and persevere is enough. But I’ve also noticed that so many of my colleagues are also managing to find ways to innovate their work, the way they teach and serve students. I don’t know about you, but I’m always inspired by hearing about my colleagues’ successes and new ideas, so I wanted to focus on innovation in this issue. I’d also like to acknowledge that various challenges make it incredibly difficult for many to find time and energy to innovate. I hope we can find the compassion and humanity to both support those who are struggling and celebrate the innovations of our colleagues.
In this issue, we’ll explore some key innovations in the way we function as a college, as well as some challenges that we currently face.
Be well,
Joanna Parypinski
Editor-in-Chief
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