EMU faculty call for emphasizing academics first

Putting academics first, creating transparency, democratizing governance and reviving community are steps that need to be taken to get Eastern Michigan University moving in the right direction, according to EMU faculty.

COME TOGETHER: Joanna Scott, an EMU professor of political science, addresses approximately 160 faculty during an assembly in the Pray-Harrold auditorium Sept. 4. Facuty stressed they want to see academics put first, transparency become the norm, a democratic governance system practiced and a sense of campus community created. (above, from left) Regent Chair Tom Sidlik and Don Loppnow, executive vice president and provost, and Howard Bunsis, president of the AAUP, listen.

After a tumultuous year at EMU that included a faculty strike and death of a student, faculty hosted an assembly entitled, "The Future of EMU: What Do We Do Now?" as a way to help establish a plan of action for the 2007-2008 school year. The assembly took place in the Pray-Harrold auditorium Sept. 4.

The assembly, attended by approximately 160 faculty, was a time to create mutual understanding, work toward change and yes, even bellyache.

"We need to figure out what we are and what we want to become," said Greg Huszcczo, a professor in the department of management. "We want to learn and put our learning to use. We want that for our students."

"How can management and faculty work together? That's what we can be about and be proud of. We need to make sure these desires are put into action," he said.

One way for academics to be more prevalent is to treat it like a living organic relationship between faculty and students, not refer to teaching as "product" and students as "customers," said Lynn Nybell, professor of social work.

"'Putting academics first' is a conviction that we as the faculty must continually assert. We cannot take it for granted," she said.

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