Comments on: University Of Florida Takes Two Steps Backward, Cuts CS

By: Adam Singer

Adam Singer — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:29:57 +0000

You’re right. The culture out of balance is sort of the point, though. We don’t think bigger picture enough and we should.

By: Matt Tillotson

Matt Tillotson — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:13:11 +0000

While I agree with much of the criticism of UF’s decision, the athletic budget comparison needs to be framed properly. It does show a culture out of balance. But spending on sports did not impact the university’s cuts. Athletics at Florida are self-funding.

By: Thhom

Thhom — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:05:32 +0000

Wow, words fail to describe the complete of long-term vision and understanding of the mission of a University. This decision will not only affect CS students at UF it will affect every single graduate because people will begin to wonder what kind of education UF graduates received if a university can’t even maintain a CS department.

By: Rob O.

Rob O. — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:14:17 +0000

Dean Kamen’s voice on the matter of our cultural priorities seemed especially appropriate here:

”In a free culture you get the best of what you celebrate. We celebrate sports. We celebrate entertainment. We’ve got to get back to convincing — particularly women and minorities — that the world of science and technology is every bit as accessible, every bit as rewarding, every bit as fun, and a whole lot more likely to lead to careers than anything else they can spend their time at.”

Our society glorifies mindless celebrities and sports stars to a dizzying extreme. Why should a basketball player earn exponentially more than any sitting President, for example?

Similarly, Mike Rowe (from TV’s “Dirty Jobs”) questioned our culture’s messed up view of work and workers. We put rap moguls on pedestals, yet relegate mechanics or plumbers to the basement. Shameful.