I might need to invest in lots of popcorn

So I don't think I mentioned it before but there was a whole email thingie at work that's too complicated to explain in detail but the short of it is, the University wants us to start putting all the land grant stuff through them instead of our separate administration (which we are authorized by the Board of Governors to run our own thing since 1865, yes, you read that correctly). I previously warned Bosslady and all the Extension folks that make far more than I do that changing this is a Bad Idea.

Well since the business office can never do their job, I copied them when I was asking the central University on Monday about whether they've started the process of renewing our legal UEI (used to be the Dun & Bradstreet number that the government changed). The central office acted stupid about it and asked whether we wanted to renew it (uh, dude, you were answered by my supervisor previously about that). I said yes but Bosslady has suddenly decided to relinquish the authority granted to her to the Evil Dude at the business office.

I got copied on the response where ED discussed the situation with central (not including any of us, of course) and mentioned that the "plan B" was to hand things over. He wasn't in on the giant laundry list I gave Bosslady, et al. why it was a Bad Idea and I'm sure she won't fight it. I'm sure those morons think it'll be easy but if they let plan B happen, it will change EVERYTHING and be an absolute and complete disaster.

I hope it happens. I'm done giving warnings or suggestions as the lowest paid person on the totem pole that is ignored. Fuck it, let the dumpster fire commence. Once they realize what a bad decision they've made, they'll come to me to try to figure it out and nope. Aside from what small piece of the non-financial, proposal and reporting that I oversee, the rest is gonna be y'all's shit show to figure out.

Bring. It. ON. Behold my field of fucks, it is BARREN.

Commence smartassery - but subtle

I'm counting on you especially threecee 

So after Bosslady being Bosslady for three and a half years, she's decided to finally have a "strategic planning meeting" where we all get together in one room. The woman never even did a group ZOOM to meet anyone during pandemic time. Anyway, she sent this email:

Hi all,

Welcome to all on this e-mail – each of you belongs in a broad sense to the SEBS/NJAES Office of Research. I would like us all to work together on developing a strategic plan to clearly define the responsibilities of our office with the mission of promoting the excellence of the research enterprise at SEBS/NJAES. Many of you likely do not know each other, so this first meeting is to get us on a path of collaboration and cross-fertilization.

Please come to Monday’s meeting prepared for the following:

Introduce yourself and tell us briefly about what you do in your current position.
Identify one or two areas where you think you could make a broader impact on our research enterprise.

No pressure, this should be a fun, stimulating meeting. I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday at Martin Hall in the Waksman Conference room.

Aside from one person that was just hired in one of the subgroups and another name (assuming a new transfer since she's currently showing as 4H and we don't oversee that), we have known each other for years so WTF lady? Seriously.

Ok, now the help. That second question. I need ideas on how to answer it that passes muster but is vague. Bosslady rides my ass for putting myself in a "silo" with what I do but my job is very specific so there's no way to NOT be siloed. One answer I have in the bag can be "I'll share opportunities I find for elevating our visibility which I've already passed on a few before" (I have done this, I sent an NSF grant opportunity that they should jump on and got some compliments but who knows if they'll take my advice. It rarely happens).