Previously, I argued that though we sessional instructors give great service and commitment to the University of Calgary, the unfairness of our working conditions has grown to a situation that is now laughable. Every experience is an opportunity to learn, however, and though sessional issues may remain a subtext here, the purpose is to tell… Continue reading Lifting up mine eyes–finally
Results for "Dr. Allison Dube"
The secession of the pleb
Students would not normally see a difference between sessional and tenured lecturers. This is a good thing: we sessionals are generally as well qualified for the job and we do it at least as well because most of us love teaching rather than focusing on research. Recent media attention has highlighted difficulties we face, such… Continue reading The secession of the pleb
Letter: “The Muslim” Informative
Editor, the Gauntlet, [Re: “The Muslim,” Sarah Malik, Nov. 9, 16 and 23, 2006] I would like both to praise Sarah Malik’s series of articles on “The Muslim” and disagree strongly with professor Schmiel’s charge that they are “one-sided.” Ms. Malik’s articles have done a great job shedding light on two important themes if we… Continue reading Letter: “The Muslim” Informative
Awards given to super-profs
Life as a university student can be hectic. Between exams, term papers and making it to work on time, class can be a low priority. But there are some classes you never miss. It could be the impending terror of missing content, but it is normally because you enjoy time spent there. University of Calgary… Continue reading Awards given to super-profs
Struggling sessionals
It’s a generally-accepted view that university professors are paid more than burger-flippers. However, many students would be shocked and appalled to learn the wages at McDonalds are significantly higher than those received by a full quarter of the university’s teaching staff. Sessional instructors at the university comprise 25.7 per cent of the overall academic staff.… Continue reading Struggling sessionals
Sessionals in need
Students might not notice if their professor is a sessional or a standard employee, but the professors that can’t afford to work here do. The University of Calgary hires roughly 900 sessionals every year. Sessionals are hired to teach one or two courses per semester without knowing if they’ll be re-hired in the future. They… Continue reading Sessionals in need
Sessional wins award for fourth time
University of Calgary students showed their appreciation for this year’s outstanding professors at the Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Awards. The Apr. 23 ceremony recognized the 26 professors and three teaching assistants who were honoured for the exceptional ways they taught their students. These individuals were nominated by members of the student body, the su then… Continue reading Sessional wins award for fourth time
SU honours profs. for excellence
Without fail, April brings the flowering of tulips, broken dreams for Maple Leafs fans and a fresh batch of Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Awards.The 21st installment of the awards took place Apr. 30 to honour the 27 professors chosen from over 500 student nominations. This year, the SU awarded cash prizes for the first time.“The… Continue reading SU honours profs. for excellence
Profs honoured for kicking ass
The Students’ Union presented 13 University of Calgary professors with Teaching Excellence Awards at the 21st annual ceremony, Sun., Apr. 24. The awards honour professors who improve the profile and importance of high quality undergraduate teaching at the university. “As the sole award given out based on the merits of teaching, the Teaching Excellence Awards… Continue reading Profs honoured for kicking ass
The axe falls
Carolyn Andres has been a beloved member of the Political Science Department for 13 years, helping students and faculty with the often unglamorous tasks of photocopying, scheduling and organizing course materials. As of this week Andres’ job no longer exists, and she isn’t alone. In the first tangible effect of University of Calgary budget cuts… Continue reading The axe falls