Outside Advice Can Make A Difference Costly Approach? Unfortunately, I-Can-Do-It-Alone Strategy Rarely Works.

If Eastern Washington University were a person, it would be suffering a major midlife crisis. The university has all the symptoms of the malaise that can hit women and men during the middle years of their lives.

The university is depressed. Enrollment is down, as is faculty morale. The university is wrestling with its image. Should it be a commuter’s college, a haven for returning adults? Or should it try harder for younger students who often spurn EWU for more desirable locations, such as Western Washington University in Bellingham?

The university is also grappling with hard questions about the future. Will it survive? What if enrollment continues to dip and tenured faculty must be let go?

Yes, it’s a dark time at EWU.

Adults struggling with midlife issues sometimes seek help from outside. They get counseling from a therapist or they consult a trusted minister. Some even join support groups to hear how others navigate this difficult time.

EWU recently hired an outside consultant for help with its crisis. Stamats Communications Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa researched EWU’s malaise and made some suggestions for how to work out of it.

The consultants suggested that Eastern devise a simple marketing plan. Cozy up to high school and community college counselors. Tout its good teachers and good programs. Brag about what’s working and spend less energy on things that aren’t, such as Internet expansion.

EWU paid $84,000 for the advice. It was money well spent. Some say that the cost was too high, that EWU should have used common sense about its problems and saved the money for programs.

This is the same argument that says when you are having a personal problem, keep it to yourself. Or keep it in the family. It will pass. It will get better. Don’t talk about it too much. Unfortunately, this I-can-do-it-alone strategy rarely works.

Adults who successfully persevere through midlife emerge stronger, happier, energized to tackle the second half of their lives.

We trust that EWU - a valued and valuable Inland Northwest institution - will emerge from this latest crisis, too, stronger and better than ever. , DataTimes MEMO: For opposing view, see “Common sense is available locally”

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN, EDITORIAL - From both sides CREDIT = Rebecca Nappi/For the editorial board