KP status?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
41

<p>i got crap for money. I worked the CC's and local great neck gardening jobs or moving furniture. Shoveled snow in the winter.</p>

<p>I spent every dollar i made at sea, $20 a day...lol. Even sold my laptop at sea for money. </p>

<p>Had to buy a computer when i got back and got my first line of credit at 24.7%. I learned real fast about credit and financing. </p>

<p>Do your kids a favor and set a limit and don't give more. It's just going to go to a drinking fund, no matter what they tell you. Trust me. If they need more, there are plenty of legal avenues to go get more. Make them earn it so the learn the value of money.</p>

42

<p>Mine uses the money he made over the summer. He has a credit card (it's a card I got in his name with a small limit) that he uses to buy train and or bus tickets home, but other than that he uses his own money. I provide him with lots of snacks and beverages by mail in goodie boxes. Occasionally he needs money to buy gear, etc., he's in Marine Ops, so I let him charge that. He was pretty good last year. We'll see how he is this year. Also, his grandmothers send him checks from time to time. If your kiddo doesn't have his own money, then I'd put him on a budget. They generally get to go out a couple times a month, now maybe more because they are 3/C. NYC is expensive, but if they watch their pennies, I think $100-$125 per month should be adequate. Just my opinion though.</p>

43

<p>Well you all confirmed my thoughts that $100 a month should be plenty. I just wanted to make sure I'm not the crazy one. Thanks.</p>

44

<p>So I don't know what has been said through the thread but this is what VADM Stewart told the 1/C (I was there): All the "shifts" of funds were approved by MARAD and the biggest kicker was funds from the Alumni. The Alumni Foundation basically runs most sport programs and the whole waterfront. Currently, there is over $5 million that can't be touched because it is considered soliciting. But now there is a lady that has to approve all expenditures. She works for both DOT and for the Academy. In the words of VADM Stewart, "She's a pain in the ass to get anything approved." But VADM Stewart also said that the happenings are turning the Academy in a better direction, but it took this to get it to happen. Also, the appointed positions in MARAD are beginning to go vacant because of new President. Also, we should be getting a Commandant within the next two weeks. There was a paperwork mix-up and they had to re-interview.</p>

45

<p>This came to me from an alumni via the Jacksonville chapter of the alumni association....</p>

<p>Editor's Note: What follows is an open letter from a fellow alumnus and former teacher at KP. The letter contains factual information and some editorializing. At this time there is a new CEO for the USMMA Foundation, Mr. John Connolly, and a new CFO. Mr. Peter Rackett holds the posiiton of VP, Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving (Class Gifts, etc.). We apologize if you are not able to link directly to the Senate report.</p>

<p>I can assure you that the broad view presented here does not register with the general ranks of the midshipmen, except that they know there are winds of change. I believe it is still important for we as Alumni to support them through donations to support programs that the government is unable to. Our chapter traditionally has and will continue to support the M/N Morale Fund and Waterfront Activities with your membership dues and other donations.</p>

<p>Like the author, I remain optomistic that there will be good outcomes. Otherwise, I would not be chairing my Class of 1983 Homecoming Gift Campaign... Thanks to Stacy Reese for forwarding this.- SWO</p>

<p>2 August 08
Dear USMMA friends,</p>

<p>As many of you know, I had been teaching at the USMMA for several years. After 3+ years, in November of 07 I left to help build a clean energy company based on the South Shore of Long Island. I have, however, been very close to the affairs of the school, and feel compelled to give my friends and classmates an update on some difficult times.</p>

<p>This whole narrative emerged as a response to a friend asking about affairs at the USMMA. I then realized that many of you may not have heard much of anything about what is really going on lately. Thus I ended up typing much more than I had originally intended. I suppose I have been so close to it over the last several years, and really wanted to get it written down. You are welcome to forward it on, BUT please know that these are just my opinions and observations, which are accurate only to the best of my understanding. This short update is ultimately intended to give a positive message. I have also tried to address these things rather carefully. The question for us (alumni) is what to do next ? Okay, moving forward..</p>

<p>So yes, there haven't been good times for our school of late. But based on my experience and time there, I truly hope the best will emerge. In the final conclusion, these may be the best thing that has happened in years.</p>

<p>In short, there has been a financial stand-down at the Academy. Not small stuff, but very major in the last 2 months or so.</p>

<p>Essentially all NAFI positions which were performing services which a government service member could otherwise do, were cited as illegal, and all have been essentially fired. (NAFI stands for "non appropriated funding instrument". NAFI funds are those the Academy gets which aren't appropriated by congress. A NAFI employee is not a government worker.) The concept here is that, as a government school, government people should be used to perform such work. Sample positions include much the entire DoIT department (Department of Information Technology), all athletic coaches, and a wide array of other service positions at the school. I understand nearly 30 positions in all are affected. They have, however, replaced many of the NAFI positions under the "civil/government" umbrella, but it is not an easy transition, and simply not enough Government funding is available to cover them all (generally they are much more expensive positions).</p>

<p>The "squeeze" really began over the last few years (starting in ~2006) when Congress continually failed to pass a budget. This means that a "Continuing Resolution" goes into effect, resulting in allowed spending of 80% of the budget which was approved the previous approved year. Year after year congress repeatedly failed to pass Bush's budgets, meaning consecutive years of CR's. To date, the USMMA is still operating under a CR. The war in Iraq and slipping economy haven't helped the USMMA get adequate funding.</p>

<p>The recent problems started with the use of "capitol funds" (ie, money for rebuilding barracks according to the school's "master plan") to pay for people and services. I understand that this is a cardinal sin in government -- the use of money from one pot to serve another with out permission. Eventually DOT got wind of the details, started probing, and ultimately exposed 10+ years of fuzzy books and bad accounting practices. However, MARAD has been approving this practice for years!</p>

<p>This is in addition to USMMA Alumni Association difficulties, which have been hidden very well. Essentially, the Alumni Association was recently on the brink of financial collapse. A consulting firm was hired to come in and re-architect the entire operation and organization, which included the firing of Gene McCormick (the director at the time), and the laying off of numerous other positions. As I understand it, Peter now has the helm, and is keeping things on track.</p>

<p>Back to DOT related issues, in the most recent development, Stewart was forcefully pushed into retirement (tenure ends at end of this August 08), and McMahon (Deputy Superintendent) has been "repositioned" immediately (aka, each were gently fired by the DOT). Not to mention, that other employees are apparently leaving the school "left and right".</p>

<p>I personally cannot claim to be much different than them, which makes this all the more complicated for me. After more than 3 years in a faculty tenure track, I still left, seeing that my program wasn't going to get any support in the near future. I believe that it will in time, but not soon. Our company recently hired Tom Bussi from the machine shop, a good but difficult thing for me to do, knowing the great value "Chief Warrant Officer Bussi" brought to our school. Right now we need good people stick around, not leave..</p>

<p>While I don't wholly agree with this report, because it was written by people who really don't understand what kind of pressure the school has been under to make due with little they have gotten for funding, it is still pretty shocking language.. This is a Congressional report, and about as public as you can get.</p>

<p>See excerpts from the 110TH CONGRESS, 2d Session, SENATE REPORT 110–418. (Abbreviated as attached, full report below.)</p>

<p><a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_reports&docid=f:sr418.110.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_reports&docid=f:sr418.110.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Information about MARAD starts on page 133, the USMMA specific stuff starts on page 135.</p>

<p>So our school is undergoing a GAO (Government Accounting Office) audit. I hope and pray that they are intelligent people and realize the story behind the story.</p>

<p>The bottom line, in my opinion, is that we (the USMMA) are suffering from years of general ineptitude, including an identity crisis (aka, what should our mission be in these changing times), inability to play REAL politics in Washington (aka getting known, earmarks, and adapting as necessary), and inability to make the right difficult decisions at the school (including promoting good/bad faculty and staff, proper marketing and recruitment, etc). I personally have a lot of respect for Stewart and McMahon, because I truly believe they understood the problems ahead, and did their best under the conditions given to them. But now they have been ousted, for better or worse. If you haven't heard, Captain Wallischeck is no longer at the waterfront, and now senior staff. He is doing an impressive job, and holding the fort down, with select others.</p>

<p>Another root cause is being stuck under MARAD with no real USMMA champion in Washington at all.(!) MARAD seems generally powerless, and is essentially a shell organization, whose primary mission is subsidizing Jones Act ships, etc. (Where was MARAD during the Dubai-World fiasco ? Why has the CG taken over many functions that arguably should be under MARAD ? .. These are rhetorical questions.) I understand that more than half of MARAD's budget is the USMMA alone. MARAD is getting slapped pretty hard as part of this fallout also.</p>

<p>We (the alumni) know that the school has potential to be a true "Tier One" university/Academy, but we also know how nearly impossible it seems to make it a reality.. Essentially a comprehensive gutting the entire way the school operates is likely necessary. It seems a completely new "branding" and culture must take place at the school, and realistic funds must be appropriated to accomplish what it actually needs to do.</p>

<p>The school is about to hire an entirely new set of senior staff. Of course, this could be good or bad, depending on so many factors. The next few years will be crucial as the school goes through this complete reforming of itself.. it may emerge on the trajectory of the school we want it to become, or it may crumble.</p>

<p>But, as mentioned at the beginning of this narrative, and being an optimist, I truly believe that the events of late, culminating in the Congressional Report and the GAO audit, may be the best thing that has ever happened to our school, at least in the last 10 to 15 years.</p>

<p>There is no real clear next step, if nothing else to support our Alma Mater morally. If I find out more, I will certainly sharhele. I look forward to keeping in touch and seeing many of you at the next homecoming events.</p>

<p>Sincere regards,
(Name withheld)</p>

46

<p>I have read this thread w/ some interest but stayed out of the fray because this is not my hunt.
Nonetheless, it seems the real problems at USMMA--and it seems there are more than a few--stem from a lack of significant mission. Re-emphasize the "significant" part of that statement.</p>

<p>The US-flagged maritime industry is, essentially, non-existent. Furthermore, there seem to be other maritime academies pumping out licensed seaman.</p>

<p>Thus, what is the need for a "merchant marine" academy? Essential to US security? Perhaps, but there seem to be other resources available to provide sea-worthy Americans to the maritime fleet.
Source of officers for the armed forces? That is what the other Academies are for.</p>

<p>What if the training were absorbed into the Coast Guard Academy, for example? Perhaps "Commercial Seamanship" could be offered as a major of the CGA? Seems a better utilization of scarce resources . . . . Perhaps, CGA mids who want to major in Commercial Seamanship would be commissioned in CG reserves but required to serve on ships servicing the military.<br>
It seem what USMMA is in need of, is recognition of the maritime industry as it exists in the US today.
I suspect what really gripes MOC is that, in large part, USMMA serves as a taxpayer-funded academy that serves as pipeline for highly-paid private employment. [Yes, I understand some of the obligations which mids have upon graduation, but, they still get high-paid jobs at graduation.]</p>

<p>Well, nothing is likely to change. I doubt the USMMA is going to close, but it seems as if letting it rot away in place does not serve justice to those who attend.</p>

<p>Surely, you all would want its status to improve?</p>

47

<p>Bill for not wanting to comment you sure got your two cents worth. Maybe you should go see the rotting campus before you condem it. As for the mission. They have been arguing about that for 70 yrs. I think people are jealous of all the opportunities for kp grads.All require maritime service and military comission. And bill don't forget that the kp alums are very well placed in the transportation industry and federal government. Kp has answered the call from WW II , Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm , 9-11, Iraqi freedom. Every time they try to discount the need for US trained Officers dedicated and comissioned for service to our country. Some major world event comes along to remind us all. Any way just my view. I respect yours and am glad you shared it.</p>

48

<p>I hope this story has a happy ending. You guys are really bumming me out. I sincerely hope that this financial mess doesn't effect my PC. It amazes me that there was no public discussion of this mess before. The Coast Guard Academy seems to have tons of money because of their transfer to the Dept of Homeland Security.</p>

49

<p>Bill0510: I think that you are jealous of the Academy because of the opportunities presented to us that you were not able to have after graduating college (or another service academy). Kings Pointers hold many high positions in both the military, maritime, and business world. By percentage Kings Point pumps out more CEO's and other high ranking business leaders than Ivy League schools. Don't believe me, ask Admiral James Stavridis, USN. He's the USSOUTHCOM Commander if you didn't know. During his speech at graduation he defended the Academy.</p>

50

<p>rower, he brings forth a lot of good points. in practice, our academy does indeed serve a great purpose. but where the problem lies is on paper.
on paper, we're becoming increasingly worthless. congress sees us as a drain because of how much money we take, and they don't see the results because we are so shrouded in mystery.
as bill said, nothing will change. we won't get shut down. at least not before we graduate. </p>

<p>rower, just one bit of advice, build up some credibility before you start ripping into people. cynicism from strangers isn't openly accepted...</p>

51

<p>The situation at KP needs to be pushed. Here is a copy of a letter that I sent to my congressman here in PA. I did not bother with Specter or Casey - they are totally out of touch with the people here in PA. - Hope this encourages others to KEEP writting their reps in DC.</p>

<p>Dear Mr. _______,</p>

<p>This is the third time I have contacted your office in the past twelve months regarding the financial condition and the general state of affairs at the U.S. Merchant Marine academy. </p>

<p>Mr. ______, you have a solid representation of students from your district at USMMA. The situation is now to the point that the midshipmen are questioning their future and trust in government leadership. This is now a very public problem. The Appropriations Committee Report (Calendar No. 878 Report 110-418 July 14, 2008) is extremely harsh. It appears that nobody in Washington is an advocate for this Service Academy. With the number of men and women from your district attending USMMA and your involvement with promoting our nations service academies, I would hope that you would take a personal interest in what is happening at USMMA. </p>

<p>When I have contacted your office in the past, the responses have been benign. A staffer called me after my first letter. The staffer was in my opinion, just calling to deflect any involvement by your office and to placate me – most unimpressive. The second time I wrote to you, I received an automated, generic email response. </p>

<p>So what am I looking for? I was hoping you would take a personal interest and look into what has been transpiring at USMMA. The situation that the academy is in did not happen overnight. This situation is the result of a mission being carried out without the resources, focus and advocacy to do the job with excellence. Without assurance from the Congress that this Service Academy is important to our nation, I am reluctant to promote it to others. The leadership at the academy has been removed - In my opinion that is simplistic. What is going to change? Who is going to establish direction? How is the U.S. Congress going to bolster this vital institution? Who in DOT is an advocate of USMMA? </p>

<p>Specifically as it pertains to you and your office:
Are you still eager to promote USMMA?
In good conscience how can you promote USMMA when the institution itself has been ignored and allowed to decay into the state it is in financially?
What are you doing as my local representative to Congress to ensure that USMMA is both funded and managed with the honor and respect it deserves?
What message do you think the midshipmen at USMMA are receiving in regards to their worth both in service to our country and to the overall value they have in the eyes of our government?</p>

<p>Looking forward to your response,</p>

52

<p>Most organizations unable to define their mission over the course of 70 years slowly, but inevitably, shrivel up and die. Not so w/ governmental organizations. That doesn't mean the organization shouldn't go away, it just means it won't.</p>

<p>"Rot" does not necessarily refer to physical deterioration of the infrastructure. Furthermore, just because the organization fails itself takes nothing away from the ability of individuals to take the education each has earned and do well with it. The problems faced by USMMA take nothing away from the individual gradautes. I don't condemn the campus but, rather, a seemingly inept leadership unable to better define teh Academy's mission; apparently over 70 years.</p>

<p>Kprower. You know nothing of me, my background, my succes, or failures. I am WAY past a stage in my life when I might have been jealous of a graduate from a service Academy; beside my son is at USNA and doing just fine.
I have known some KP graduates and they were all fine indiviudals. Your argument [and venom] is mis-directed. The INSTITUTION's mission is being questioned, not the capabilities of the individuals who graduate. [Although I would argue that KP's mission is NOT: "pump[ing] out more CEOs and high-ranking business leaders than the Ivy League schools. There are many private institutions designed to do that job better and, probably, at a cheaper cost to the taxpayer. Be careful in claiming that as a reason for the institution to exist. I don't think that is why KP was established.]</p>

<p>Furthermore, all I am saying is that perhaps those who defend the status quo at KP could better serve the instiution's future by helping to develop a mission for the organization that is more consistent with the needs of the U.S. in the 21st century [homeland security or serving the logistics needs of the armed forces] rather than simply criticizing those who question whether a pure maritime academy is still needed.</p>

53

<p>


</p>

<p>What makes you think that the United States Coast Guard Academy has a need for "Commercial Seamanship" majors? :confused:</p>

<p>The USCGA is a military academy with a defined mission.</p>

<p>Perhaps the USNA could absorb them with a "Commercial Seamanship" degree, as it seems that the USMMA provides the majority of Sea Lift Command sailors, who ultimately serve the US Navy.</p>

54

<p>Or better yet,,,,,USMMA could just get funding and keep producing the fine military officers and Commercial seamen that is has for over 60 years.</p>

55

<p>no offense...but the military officers produced from kp are nothing like that of those produced from other academies. </p>

<p>I agree with Bill, there is no need for a federally funded maritime school. Look at the license pass rates of the State schools compared to that of KP..I'd be willing to bet these State schools produce far more proficient mariners than that of KP. </p>

<p>Where KP falls is allocating all this money a crappy D3 football team, some (i'd say most) of which are on steroids and still unable to perform. Midshipmen are forced to watch them play for heaven's sake, that's how bad they are.</p>

<p>I find the most humorous thing to be the threat KP gives it graduates upon commencement...citing the education to be valued at what I'd consider 5x too much.</p>

56

<p>Quite frankly, it is good to voice an opinion no matter how off kelter I think that it is. However, the bashing is not something that is welcomed or appreciated. On top of everything else, to make an assumption that most of our football players are on steriods. Testing, testing, testing. Because you do not appreciate the team doesnt mean that everyone feels that way. As far as funding goes, I can't say anything on that subject other than I do know that they do solicit funds from their parents & alumni. </p>

<p>Go KP, a school that I am PROUD that my son is able to attend. Keep your heads up and everything will fall into place. It always does.</p>

57

<p>I do not frown upon their usage (it's more prevelent than you may think) as they are doing what they can to keep up. </p>

<p>As for the testing...LOL If you had any idea of the number of students using recreational drugs and getting away with it...yeh</p>

<p>Testing for recreational drugs is (from what i've been told) a lottery...10 students picked, all pee in cups, 3 actually lab tested. The whole idea is if you don't show up, you are guilty. It's a simple scare tactic. They don't have the funds for appropriate testing. </p>

<p>Performancing enhancing drugs are a far more complicated test that is far more expensive and would only be used on those competing at the top tiers. Geez, GH testing is above and beyond all other forms of testing. </p>

<p>It's a harsh reality of the 21st century. Sports are more competitive than ever. Crap, I'd say 50% of the people in my industry utilize rec drugs to take the edge off. They ask how I can do the time and function day-in day-out without. i tell them it's because i choose to. It's a crutch people use. My poor friends use and I don't hang out with them anymore. Not my style</p>

58

<p>DisgruntledAlum--
It would be good if you actually knew something about what you are talking about. Urine Toxicology--as it is called, is about 6-30 bucks a test. If you really want to get fancy you can go up to about $150 a test. I can tell you in my years of doing tests, those are done in a group far larger than KP, less than twice a year. So the lack of funds would not play into this scenario. Why don't you stick to conversations that you think you know something about.</p>

<p>Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of you and the rest of you who bash the school. If you don't have anything good to say, or a suggestion on how it can be improved, please stop wasting your time and mine by posting here. If you are so miserable about graduating from KP, then go to some other school and get a degree you can be proud of. </p>

<p>We would all be happy you would be using your time more wisely and staying off this site!</p>

59

<p>Disgruntledalum you are a piece of work! I don't know when you graduated but to say the football team is on steriods is a laugher. If you were old enough in the 80's or early 90's to go into any neighborhood gym or watch pro and college athlete turn into the monsters,That my friend was Streriods! If you have seen any present day USMMA football players, they are not on Steriods and to even suggest is a joke. Suppliments and working there butts off in the weight room maybe but not steriods. You seem to have a real axe to grind with the football team, possibly one of those steriod laced football players made life tough on you when you went to school there. Maybe it is all athletes that you don't like. As far as drug are concerned, no matter where you go to school or work on the average 25% of the work force or student body is on some sort of illigal drug or using alchhol. It a sad reality! But keep your head up and stop being so negative everything happens for a reason. If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem.</p>

60

<p>Here here, MidwestKPdad and Kathynyp! Ditto to everything you guys say.</p>