Human resources has gained power in universities and colleges not because it understands education or scholarship, but because it stands at the intersection of compliance, liability and institutional reputation. In this climate, HR staff and their expanding credentials can become guardians of “proper procedure” and “inclusive practice.” Into this environment stepped an ambitious HR staff member with an online human resources degree and an eye on my job. The problem is not that HR staff seek appropriate training or professional standing. HR staff increasingly appeared to “rescue” employees from responsibilities for which they were trained and qualified, adding layers of evaluation, counseling, and review.