Students who have taken Introduction to the Humanities with long-time adjuncts such as Michael Kreisberg, Judith Johnson, Lois Jarka, David Clark, and Gwentyh Mapes know what a good job they have done teaching and generating discussion about the texts, ideas, and issues that constitute our cultural heritage. These educators have been a crucial part of a program that announces this university's commitment to the liberal arts and to quality education. They are people who could have made more money doing something that offers job security, but they loved teaching humanities to college students. Eliminating adjuncts at UM not only eviscerates liberal studies, it generally promotes large and consequently less-effective classes. Although the administration suggests that large classes are fine, most educators who have studied the issue, or encountered it in their own teaching, disagree.
Most students also disagree.
We can begin our resistance by supporting the Liberal Studies program. Semester after semester, many students who take its classes primarily to fulfill a general education or writing requirement come away feeling they have enjoyed an excellent educational experience. I hope students who agree with this assessment will voice their support for liberal studies and for adjuncts. John Glendening is an Associate English Professor. Please include you full name, address, and current phone number so that we can verify the letter's authenticity.