Virginia (and everyone else who feels either overwhelmed or slighted by the
IRIS Implementation),

First off, perhaps you received a different version of Bill Miller's e-mail
regarding IRIS.  In my version he certainly doesn't even imply that there
are those among us, either exempt or non-exempt, who are any less
intelligent than our co-workers when it comes to doing the work we need to
do to get our jobs done.  My take on the e-mail was that Bill cares enough
to give us a heads-up.  This is coming our way and we need to do our best
to be ready.

Everyone I work with has a full plate.  Many of us have had to build
sideboards to keep it from spilling onto the floor and being swept under
the rug.  The IRIS implementation has been piled on top.  It does not
affect just a few people on campus, it affects the majority.  Everyone has
extra work to do now learning this new system.  To learn it you can't sit
back and wait on someone else.  You need to be proactive.

The information that has been put out on campus has been copious and
helpful.  You don't need to wait on a personal invitation to have access to
training.  Give the people responsible for setting up the training sessions
a call and let them know what your needs are.  They will be happy to help
you.

Lastly,  we can't tie not learning new skills for our jobs to not getting
pay raises.  We all work for the State of Tennessee.  We know what the
financial situation of the state is.  Who knows when there will be money
for decent pay raises?  I'm sure I don't.  However, I am sure that IRIS
will be here and I will have to deal with it come July 1.  I am doing my
best to be prepared.  Let me suggest, as Bill did, that you do your best to
be ready.  If you need help, it's there.

Linda Gehron

At 08:29 AM 5/1/01 -0700, Virginia Cole wrote:
>Bill,
>
>I know you are a wonderful person and an asset to this university.  But, if
>it's all right with you, could you lay off the "please do your homework"
>bit.  There are those of us who are non-exempt who are just as intelligent
>and responsible as you are and who will learn this, at no increase in pay
>or prestige, both of which we have long since learned to live without.  We
>don't have the time to learn it well and we will make mistakes, but we must
>learn it so we will  or we will leave.
>
>I presently overlook grants in my department amounting in thousands and
>thousands of dollars, just for starters.  You can't be stupid and
>irresponsible and do that well.  Now, can you.
>
>I have been invited to one class only.  Why don't you guys spread more
>information around more quickly???
>
Linda Gehron
Administrative Aide
Student Development
216 University Center
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN  37403
(423) 755-4534
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