Forum Addresses Higher Education Issues

On Wednesday evening, the Boston College chapter of the American Association of University Professors (BCAAUP) held a faculty-student forum in Higgins Hall.

Students and faculty met to discuss important issues in higher education. The attendees voiced their opinions on advising, rising tuition costs, and student-faculty relations.

The BC chapter of AAUP was founded in 2010 with goals to support policies of the national AAUP, defend academic freedom and promote increased faculty governance at BC. On Wednesday evening, the BCAAUP discussed different educational issues happening throughout the BC campus. The goal of the forum was to start a dialogue between faculty members and students.

Susan Michalczyk, BCAAUP president, opened the forum, introducing faculty members of the BCAAUP to students.

"This is our chance to speak openly, ask questions, hear from faculty and hold a dialogue between professors and students," Michalczyk said.

After, students attending the forum introduced themselves and spoke about educational issues they have faced during their time at BC. Students discussed their concerns with the academic advising system, registration for classes, rising costs in tuition and the inability to communicate with faculty members.

"I'm really interested to hear the faculty perspective on educational problems," said one BC student. "I want to talk about the rising costs of tuition and find out where the money is going."

"I have a lot of issues with the administration," said another BC senior. "I'm here to get an understanding about how much time professors, faculty, and administrators can afford for students and how much attention is really given to students."

The faculty members of BCAAUP voiced their opinions on the education system as well. With the rising cost of tuition and the structure of the administrational power, faculty members worry that BC is losing students who cannot afford the school's tuition. The faculty also discussed their lack of control within the education system. Many advisers are given 20 to 30 students per semester. Because of this large number, professors are unable to make a personal connection with the students they advise.

"The faculty needs to be more involved," said Harold Peterson, associate professor in the economics department. "Advising has been a high priority here, and we have been working on it. I think there are some models that work, like the Cornerstone Program. In the Cornerstone Program I get to know students and they get to know me. So if we are going to be pushing [for more programs] we need to be pushing for the things that work."

Students discussed their personal experiences with the BC education system. Many felt that there are serious flaws in the academic advising system and with class registration. Others said that they have been unable to build a strong relationship with their advisors or other professors because there are just too many students per class or per advisor.

"It becomes a rat-race," said one student. "Students are forced to compete for the attention of professors."

Other students felt overwhelmed with the core and are unsure where to turn to for advising help.

"I don't know what classes to chose and I don't have a close relationship with any professors," said one BC freshman.