Professional Development Center

The four star rating is based solely on the quality of programs and classes presented.
However, please read what a former PDC Instructor (me) has to say:
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During my first two years at the Professional Development Center (PDC) at The University of Texas in Austin I ignored its corporate culture for I was not actively affected by it. But after hearing constant complaints from staff members about their toxic work environment, I could no longer sit back and do nothing.
PDC personnel were being micro managed, persecuted for not blindly following policy, forced to follow rules rather than produce results and expected to treat customers as dollar signs. Morale was not low — it did not exist. The lack of interpersonal skills by the organization’s administration resulted in a gulag mentality of management. People hated going to work. They disliked and did not trust their co-​workers. And they certainly had nothing good to say about their organization’s management.
So I suggested that PDC implement Self-​Directed Teams. Each staff member was assigned to one or more teams. Teams were instructed as to their duties and left on their own to perform the work needed to produce the expected results. The organization was flattened with no supervisors or managers below the Director level. People were challenged with solving their own problems and talking with whomever could help them do their job (there was no hierarchy).
After several months under this new structure, morale increased. People enjoyed the freedom of no longer being micro managed. Productivity and ownership of the work being performed increased. People loved having a say in their own destiny. My suggestion had worked.
Prior to leaving The University in April of this year, I beseeched the PDC Director to continue the Self-​Directed Teams and the new corporate culture of open communication and professional respect. I was assured that such would be the case. I left the organization feeling good about the people I was leaving behind.
Since my departure it has been brought to my attention by several PDC staff members that the previous corporate culture has been resurrected by management. Looking to find fault with staff members, not allowing people to have a say in their work assignments, enforcing the completion of non-​value added tasks and talking with people with a holier than thou attitude had not only returned — it was worse.
Our great state of Texas was founded on the principles of freedom, hard work, creativity and honor. Until such time that people are shown and treated with respect, The University of Texas at Austin cannot be considered a major university.
I am truly saddened by what has transpired since my departure.