“That’s a bold strategy, Cotton” keeps going through my head.

Context:

I have been ’employed’ with my current college for 13 long ass years.

As a token of appreciation, I received a thin paper bookmark with boldly inscribed with the logo and how long the college has been in existence and the obligatory unsigned ‘thank you’ card.

My name and address were written in cursive on the envelope. However, it was barely legible. The return address was stamped with faded ink and a bit crooked. The envelope was sealed with a silver ‘thank you’ sticker that was obviously from the Dollar Tree. The poor thing was barely keeping together the envelope flaps as the sender didn’t think it warranted a piece of tape.

I opened it and tossed it.
I certainly did not feel appreciated.

The college ‘encourages’ feedback from all instructors, including adjuncts. My previous attempts at classroom feedback concerning assignments, teaching strategies, and rubrics have all been rebuffed or outright ignored.

I’ve given up on that front as, despite my twenty years in the field, I don’t know what I’m talking about.

But, still, they ‘encourage,’ and I actually asked to be removed from the mailing list.

I told my supervisor, who promptly copied her supervisor, that I wanted to be removed from any mailing lists – including anniversary cards.

Of course, I was rebuffed, stating that this was how the college was showing its appreciation. I should feel ‘valued’ as they ‘appreciate’ my efforts.

I was ready for this and stated:

“Although I don’t want to seem ungrateful, an unsigned card and a low-grade bookmark make me feel unappreciated. The tokens are tossed and are recycled or, if they cannot be recycled, they become part of the landfill.

I know the college is committed to climate change initiatives. The waste is counterproductive.

I regard unsigned cards and cheap China-made items to be useless. They do not make me feel valued or appreciated.

Please remove me from any mailing lists.”

I was assured that my comments would be passed along for consideration.

After years of shitty and cheap magnets, bumper stickers, and bookmarks, I was simply over it. I don’t want to be on a checklist for ’employee appreciation’ to ease the egos of managers.

They don’t want low effort from their employees, right? Why should I accept low effort from them?

I don’t.
They need to do better – although I hate that phrase.

Heck, even Everest – the gold standard of horrible colleges – sent a $20 Visa gift card.

Will they do better – no.
Will I get a non-committal birthday, anniversary, and holiday (because they’re afraid to say Christmas) card?

Yeah, probably.
Because I don’t know what I’m talking about.

I’ll be appreciated and like it!

But at least I spoke up – although it could reflect poorly on me.

It was a ‘bold strategy’ although there wasn’t any strategy involved.

Time to go back to being part of Section 7-G.