November 1, 2007
UM Productions falsely under fire
In response to last Thursday’s Kaimin article regarding the recent administrative scrutiny imposed on UM Productions, I must express disappointment and even minor disbelief. It is disheartening to think that an extremely successful student run (and student funded) organization that has been in operation for over three decades can come under fire and face the threat of losing its autonomy and very reason for being because of one email from a big-wig tour manager. I’ve heard that the content of the Elton John tour manager’s email was misinterpreted in the first place, but even if the report of this complaint were legitimate, why on Earth would we as a University alter policy and strip managerial authority from one of the most successful student run organizations on campus over a single email?
There seems to be an unfortunate, reactionary trend of top-level campus administrators stripping the autonomy and authority of student groups funded wholly by student fees (ASUM and UM Productions). There needs to be more of a campus-wide consensus (mostly involving students!) before such wide-sweeping policy decisions affecting student organizations are made at the drop of a hat. I think the idea of outsourcing event management duties to off-campus service providers is absurd, considering UM Productions has been doing a remarkable job of managing most campus entertainment events for longer than most top-level campus administrators have been in office.
I can understand the administrative concern over a complaint from a high-profile tour manager, but to alter the way this campus manages concerts over a single email is folly and sends a message to all who work for UM Productions that they are not appreciated. I wholeheartedly disagree and want to express to all UM Productions employees that you do a remarkable job with the resources available and that the reactionary scrutiny you now face is not representative of campus sentiment. Those who make such decisions as stripping student group authority rarely “speak for the campus,” so keep your chins up and keep up the good work.
-Brian French
UM graduate student, staff member, and former UM Productions employee
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