Though it is never satisfying to see anyone lose their jobs, we at the AAUP believe that the Board did the right thing in removing President Fallon and the others from office. Now, it is time to move forward and make academics once again the top priority of Eastern Michigan University.
Over the last several years, we on the faculty have been conflicted, as we have always given complete dedication to our students, yet at the same time been faced with an administration that has not been cooperative or forthcoming on any number of matters. What we hope now is that there will be a commitment to giving faculty a seat at the table and a voice in the process. We believe that with this additional input, faculty can lead the university to restore academics to its proper place at EMU.
What goes on in the classroom at EMU between faculty members and students is the heart of Eastern Michigan University. We are ready, willing, and able to work with the administration and the Board on finding ways to enhance the educational experience our students receive.
In the future, lets hope that faculty members are asked for input on:
Budgetary matters concerning academic affairs and the entire university
Potential realignment
Development and examination of academic programs
Selection of an interim president
A serious voice for faculty in the selection of the new president
Any matter affecting the education that is delivered to our students
From an AAUP perspective, we are ready to work with the Faculty Council, so that faculty can share their thoughts, ideas, resources, and concerns with each other. We believe that renewed cooperation between these two faculty bodies will only improve the educational environment at EMU.
Lastly, today we learned that the administration has reversed itself and has agreed to re-key all faculty offices (up until today, they had agreed only to re-key Pray Harrold and Mark Jefferson). The exact schedule of which buildings will be re-keyed when has not been set, but we were given 100% assurance that all faculty offices will have new keys
as soon as possible. It is likely this will occur for many faculty before the Fall term starts, and hopefully shortly thereafter for all faculty members.
Let us hope that a new day is dawning at Eastern Michigan University.