by T.F. Riggar and Tim Janikowski

As faculty in the Rehabilitation Institute, a distinguished professional department noted for scholarly and academic achievements as well as exceptional grant-supported service, we have noted several unsettling trends at SIUC. Beginning a decade ago RI faculty who retired or matriculated to other universities or private businesses were haltingly and not wholly replaced. This diminution of faculty was not, however, matched by student enrollment. During this same period, RI graduate student enrollment has grown and a new undergraduate program was developed, increasing faculty workloads. As is the case throughout SIUC salaries and benefits, only marginally comparable nationally, began to regress to such a degree that salaries are now among the lowest at Carnegie II research universities in the U.S., and lowest in Illinois. however, total administrators, resources, their salaries and perks have increased.

Recently SIUC faculty voted for a collective representation by a professional association, to wit:a union. Unions are unique and rare in higher education especially at advanced research universities. Such a university is defined by the kind and quality of its research, the quality of its faculty, and the quality of its students. In the same manner that faculty are charged with the responsibility to attend the welfare, benefit and education of students, it is the role of the university administration to appropriately attend and support faculty. This latter requirement has not been fulfilled; the evidence is clear and abundant as noted in previous DE editorial pages.

Advertisement

Negotiations between the administration and faculty association resulted in an interim proposal deemed inadequate by faculty by a 2-1 vote. The current administration proposal is viewed as even less acceptable than the previous. Failing to negotiate reasonably and fairly is detrimental not only to faculty, and students, but to the University, community and region. Failing to act responsibly and cooperatively brought us to a union. Failure now to attend to those professionals who fulfill the teaching-research-service mission, whatever the ultimate conclusion, can only exacerbate further regression and erosion.

T.F. Riggar, professor, Rehabilitation Institute

Tim Janikowski, associate professor, Rehabilitation Institute

This letter was also signed by eight other Rehabilitation Institute faculty.