The Chronicle of Higher Education: Colloquy

COLLOQUY

Responses


I agree, but I've got one problem with one word -- "administrators." They could do a lot to put a stop to unruly behavior. But I've no evidence they're about to.

Why? Because the operative phrase these days seems to be "cater to the students." Not just in cases of classroom behavior. Consider what's going on now with Colby College... with Arizona State. In both cases, administrators have chosen to give full credence to student "complaints" and none to the faculty.

I've experienced this myself in one of my classes. The complaint was about grades -- my complaint, incidentally, was about unruly behavior. Several administrators believed the students. None believed me -- one even claimed that I was the cause of the unruly behavior.

It will never be right until administrators cease catering to the students and realize, ultimately, that their faculty are a far more precious resource than students (who are merely inventory, not consumers).

-- C. Robert Phillips, III, Professor of Classics &Amp; Ancient History; Lehigh University (posted 3/26, 5:42 p.m., E.S.T.)
< previous response
 next response >

JOIN THE DEBATE
> STEP 1: Your contact information (required)

Your name:

Your title & institution:

Your phone:

Your e-mail address:

> STEP 2: Your comments (required)

> STEP 3: Submit!

Check this box if you would like this submission to be considered for publication as a letter to the editor in the printed Chronicle.
Be sure to include your name and affiliation. Legitimate requests for anonymity will be honored. Submissions may be condensed or edited for clarity.
Academe Today | Academe This Week | About The Chronicle | How to subscribe | How to register | How to advertise | E-mail addresses