<< Front page News September 10, 2004

Profs make provisions for strikes

Showing support: Students speak at a rally for OCOPE last Friday.
 

Students worried about the prospect of crossing union picket lines to attend classes in the event of a strike may be spared that dilemma. The Dean of the College’s office has been working to secure off-campus locations for professors who do not wish to hold classes in picketed buildings.

“We started talking about this before classes started,” said Acting Dean of Students Jeffrey Whitmer.

Whitmer said that the Dean’s office sent out an e-mail to find professors who would be interested in moving their classes off-campus. Around 15 to 20 professors have responded.

“The dean has gotten me rooms at [The Oberlin] Inn,” said Professor of Economics Robert Piron. “The College arranged it. I don’t know if there will be room available during the strike but I was told there will be alternative spaces.”

Professor of Politics Eve Sandberg was also planning to hold courses at The Oberlin Inn.

“I have asked to move my classes in support of the unions,” she said. “I also understand that students could lose financial aid for not attending classes.”

Sandberg is also planning to hold her seminar at her home, an option which is also being considered by many professors who live close to campus. According to Whitmer, the College has also secured the use of First Church and Peace Church for class sites.

Sandberg, who is also a member of city council, has been speaking with the city government about using municipal buildings.

“They’re looking into it,” she said. “Initially, they were afraid of getting picketed. There is a rumor that the union will picket off-campus sites. That is not correct.”

For classes with special space needs the situation is somewhat more difficult.

“Classes in the Conservatory and also in the sciences cannot be moved because of their special equipment needs,” Whitmer said.

This holds true for classes in studio and performing arts as well.

Dance professor Roger Copeland said that his classes would be held as normal.

“I’m a big believer in unions and I believe that they have served an important purpose historically, but in this case I would cross a picket line,” he said.

In a letter delivered to students last week, Dean of Studies Kathryn Stuart and Acting Dean of Students Linda Gates assured that “the educational program of Oberlin College will continue to function.

“Classes will be taught and academic facilities will be open. Faculty members are expected to continue to meet all of their teaching and other responsibilities.”


 
 
   

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