Comparative Literature's Request For a Two-way Conversation

From Mary Layoun
Date 5/5/2006 6:47:36 PM
To Gary Sandefur

Subject: Re: Comparative Literature

Dear Gary,

This is in response to your proposal for a conversation concerning the future of the Department of Comparative Literature.

I request that we have a two-way conversation that is sincere, open, and clear. If you think that is possible, I would be willing to meet and talk with you.

There are several things I would like to propose. And I am, of course, aware of your disposition toward the department as expressed in your email of April 27, 2006.

Am I right in presuming that the email is your response to my letter of February 1, 2006? If so, I would like to once more request the reasons for your decision to not invest in the Department of Comparative Literature.

I could be wrong but there may be some mutual mistrust here. I hope that if we open a conversation it will do much to dispel possible mistrust.

I believe you and I both value the process of shared governance and we share the value of fairness.

I want the Department of Comparative Literature to continue, to grow, and to thrive again. I'd like to talk with you about simple ways to do this at a modest cost to the college over the next two or three years.

If we can have such a conversation, lets do so.

Sincerely,
Mary

Mary N. Layoun,
Professor and Chair, Department of Comparative Literature

938 Van Hise Hall 1220 Linden Dr.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison WI 53706 - 1525

Phone: 608-262-9767
Fax: 608-262-9723