Iowa Republicans, who are about to control the state House of Representatives, are calling for public universities to stop awarding sabbaticals, saying that the state can no longer afford them, the Associated Press reported. "It seems to be tough budgetary times. Why should the taxpayers of Iowa be paying to basically give these folks a year off from teaching?" said Kraig Paulsen, who is about to become speaker of the House. Edwin Dove, president of the Faculty Senate at the University of Iowa, said that while on sabbaticals in 2009, professors wrote 26 books; published 147 research articles; created and updated nearly 100 classes; and submitted 50 grant applications.
(See also Chronicle of Higher Education)
4 comments:
It is difficult to justify sabbaticals, is it not?
11:24, that depends. In research institutions (i.e., the typical university), faculty typically literally need time off to do or finish their research (e.g., the publication of articles and books). In our district, which emphasizes instruction rather than publication, sabbatical projects typically are designed to enhance instruction in some way. For instance, my own one-semester sabbatical project (recently conditionally approved) will allow me to complete two textbooks to be provided for free online to my students--a major benefit to students (financially) and to the quality of my courses (owing to the close match between text and classroom activity/lecture). Obviously, any institution or practice can be abused, but, in the case of the sabbatical opportunities that I am familiar with (at local universities and here in the SOCCCD), abuse is not now occurring. In fact, in those instances, it is very valuable and, arguably, necessary.
I have to chime in to defend Sabbaticals, too, 11:24. Without them, many of us at my own institution, a private, small liberal arts university, would never have the time to complete substantial research. And although our U. stresses excellent teaching far above all else, we are expected and required to do publishing and presenting at conferences--to share our work with our professional peers. This is connected intimately to our teaching, at least in some areas: we need to stay current and be engaged in our disciplines as active scholars (or presenters) to ensure that our courses are vibrant and up-to-date. Typically, my own Sabbaticals have involved significant research, and also the creation of new courses. Plus: I return *from* my Sabbaticals ever so refreshed and energized. By far my best teaching semesters have occurred just after Sabbaticals--I returned with new ideas, new courses, new expertise, and renewed energy. So for many who are passionate about *either* teaching *or* research, Sabbaticals are invaluable.
p.s. LOVE the wallpaper, BvT!
MAH
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