Are Cutbacks In Faculty A Reality?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Smith College
21

<p>It is interesting to read Smith's Catalog and realize that in the History Department there are 5 full Professors, Two were absent the entire 2005-6 year and two others absent the Fall semester 2005. Three Associate Profs, one absent the Fall semester 2005 and three Assistant Professors, two absent the Fall Semester 2005 and one absent the Spring Semester 2006.</p>

<p>So of the eleven Professors, only 3 were available the entire year!</p>

<p>Were I enrolled as a History Major/minor, I wonder if I would have any of these tenured Professors in a class the entire year. As a potential student, I imagine it would be hard to get a grip on this segment of the school with so many Professors elsewhere during 2005-6.</p>

<p>As a parent, I wonder at the 'planning' being done and the 'managing' of the department with 8 of 11 off campus for at least a semester during the school year. In the Fall semester 2005, 7 of the tenured faculty were absent.</p>

22

<p>There are actually 13 tenured profs, two of whom are listed in American Studies and teach American history, plus and additional two in the History of Sciences. Two professors (Kim and Zulawski) were made full professors this month.</p>

<p>How the management goes is totally beyond me!</p>

23

<p>Right- the number of the professors didn't bother me. There were a LOT! But it was definitely the distribution that was the problem. That is where management does eventually come in. I mean, what is a student with intrest in Africa to do when that professor is on leave for a year? It's dumb to sit out in college and take other classes not relating to your major.</p>

<p>I'm happy for Zulawski's promotion- took her class last spring and thought she was the best lecturer all year and still tops my list. Also was my advisor... very helpful and knows the flaws and the strengths of the department.</p>