Humor

A satirical exploration of the peculiarities and paradoxes of higher education leadership. Aimed at those who navigate the complexities of academic administration, this category offers a wry, intelligent commentary on the policies, personalities, and institutional quirks that shape the modern university.

A white note pinned with a red thumbtack reads "What's the plan?" in bold black text, conveying curiosity or planning intent.

The Plan Is Totally Real (Please Don’t Ask for It)

Everyone says there is a plan. A brilliant well thought out game changing plan. And yet no one has seen it touched it or dares to ask where it lives. This is the tale of the greatest details never revealed.

Paul Savory

Aug 21 min read

Digital illustration of a humorous “No Lottery Participation” sign featuring a red prohibition symbol over a lottery ticket, with the caption “We love you too much to lose you!” on a textured beige background. The image satirizes an HR policy discouraging employees from playing the lottery.

HR Retention Risk Mitigation Policy: Prohibition on Lottery Participation

To protect our talent from the devastating effects of sudden wealth, we proudly introduce the Retention Risk Mitigation Policy: a formal discouragement of lottery participation. Scratch-offs, Powerball, and office pools are now considered existential threats to team stability. While unenforceable, the policy is emotionally binding. If you do win millions, we request naming rights to your former cubicle, mailbox slot, or bathroom stall. Your odds of fulfillment here are far be

Paul Savory

Jul 103 min read

Flowchart illustrating the infinite loop of academic brain fade, with steps: hold meeting, make plan, forget plan, schedule meeting, and repeat

Academic Brain Fade: A Working Definition of Academic Dysfunction

Meet, plan, forget, repeat. Sound familiar? You may be experiencing academic brain fade - the most common dysfunction in higher education that few people remember having.

Paul Savory

Jul 32 min read