Classes are full, number of part-time instructors is down

By: Nikki Bussey

Posted: 1/22/09

In an effort to save money, The U of M decided earlier this year to hire fewer part-time employees, leaving remaining faculty members with extra work.

Already the number of part-time faculty members in the department of mathematical science has decreased 58.3 percent since fall 2004.

Currently, there are only 10 part-time instructors in the math department, which is dismaying, according to Raymond Clapsadle, academic services coordinator.

Clapsadle said three classrooms became overloaded this semester because they didn't have the instructors they needed.

"Because of budget cuts, we have lost some of our part-time people, and therefore lost some of our sections," he said. "We also have a rule of thumb that we don't give graduate assistants large sections. We limit them to around 40-43 students."

The math department also stopped offering four classes this semester. Clapsadle said he had to make many adjustments in all types of classes when the department realized it wasn't going to have the same number of part-time employees.

So, he switched the classes, gave out the permits and told the students to drop and add the classes as quickly as possible.

"I think it might be good practice, given the current economy," he said. "I think this will happen more often."

The foreign language department also noticed a drop in its numbers. Ralph Albanese, department chair and French professor, called the 16 remaining part-time faculty members "unsung heroes."

Since the fall semester, his department lost 11 of its part-time employees, Albanese said.

Albanese said part-time employees are essential to all departments, especially the foreign language department, because the system wouldn't work without them.

"It's hard to find somebody with the skills needed," he said. "The stipend is not very attractive, but on the other hand, you get some very dedicated people."

While other departments suffer, Eric Link, chair of English department, said his department hasn't had any problems yet.

"At the moment, we are in pretty good shape with the pool we have," Link said. "It's a matter of great concern, though. We use a great deal of part-timers and adjuncts. You never know. Part-timers and adjuncts come and go. They may move or retire for any number of reasons. So far, we have had enough to get by."

Gionni Carr, the student regent for the Tennessee Board of Regents, said he thinks the cuts will continue to affect The University in negative ways until more money is allocated to higher education from state legislators.

"I really feel the budget definitely hurting all across the board," Carr said. "Everyone is coming up short. It's an easy decision - either you want quality of education or you don't. If you don't, then you invest money in everything else."

Carr said it's a shame the department of mathematical science is having to work twice as hard. It all comes back to the students, he said.

"Unfortunately, students have to bear the brunt of these decisions being made or not being made," Carr said. "All we did was pay and try to get our education. We are having to pay for a lack of professors and classes."

Fewer classes being offered means a lack of a variety of class times, making time conflicts more prevalent.

Carr said there is no quick and easy solution to the problem. He said his hope is that eventually someone will get the "memo" everyone is suffering.

"Everything goes back to money or a lack there of," he said. "It could be solved if we had more money allocated, but we have to try to look at it unselfishly."