PRAXIS

Theory into Action

SUPPORT OUR FACULTY

Aretha sang about it, many misuse it, but our faculty deserve it – Respect.

Respect is a word often uttered, but do we understand it? We speak of being 'dissed,' but what of those who take their time, who share their knowledge, who help us develop the critical skills so necessary in life, who spend all those hours reading our papers, grading our exams, taking time to connect with us as people, not just students? What do they deserve?

It is becoming more obvious every day in this country that the myth that you will be rewarded if you work hard enough is proving to be false. So many hard-working people are waking up finding themselves without the jobs they depended on; not being afforded the respect their commitment and efforts entitled them. Industries are being bailed out, yet their employees are still losing their jobs, companies are blackmailing communities for preferential treatment, and moving when they are not satisfied, 'downsizing' keeps occurring, yet CEO's are receiving pay increases and bonuses.

Those whose labor creates the actual product or commodity from which the profit is obtained, labor that provides the actual service from which revenues are generated, are not reaping any rewards, and are actually being punished. Here administration receives a disproportionate amount of the income. We need to remind the administration that this university exists neither for them nor because of them. This university exists because of two groups of people – faculty and students.

Of course, what I am saying is obvious to so many of the students here at Western Oregon University. We are working hard both on and off campus, in classes and at our jobs to create new opportunities for ourselves. We are counting on being rewarded for our hard work. We just want the same opportunities that should be available to all. And as such we recognize the situation that faces the faculty at this university – especially the new faculty and adjunct faculty. We recognize that their situation is patently unfair, and that we may find ourselves facing similar situations upon graduation.

Another reason that we as students support our faculty may be even more obviously a case of self-interest. We will not find it very easy to be accepted into graduate school, Law school, MBA programs, etc. without a university with a strong academic reputation, without strong recommendations from reputable faculty members. How is this supposed to happen if WOU cannot attract or retain a committed, intelligent, hard-working faculty body such as the one we have now?

Ultimately, we support our faculty because it is in the best interest for ourselves, the students, and in the best interest of the university itself. We understand that the right to strike is the only leverage afforded faculty in this situation, the only leverage afforded unions anywhere. This IS about respect – respect, integrity, and acknowledgement of the true worth of our current faculty and future faculty members. We, as students, recognize that the faculty is acting reasonably, rationally, and has the best interest of the university at heart. We, as students, recognize that this situation may prove to be inconvenient to many of us, but that inconvenience is something we will bear to stand by our principles – principles that have been instilled in us by our beliefs and faith, by our families, and also by our professors.

We stand in solidarity with the faculty of Western Oregon University.

William Bragg

Senior

Coordinator - PRAXIS: Theory into Action