Faculty to propose schedule without more Friday classes

By Joe Shuron

After pushback from the Chestnut Hill College faculty over the proposed schedule adding Friday classes, the administration has allowed for a faculty-lead counter plan. As of Thursday afternoon the faculty were given one week to craft and propose an alternative schedule.

Throughout various meetings the faculty raised their concerns about students, such as work and familial obligations. They also questioned the fairness of adjunct professors coming in an extra day.

In general, there is a sense of disconnect and a lack of communication between the faculty and the administration that lead many professors to feel blindsided by the proposal to replace Monday-Wednesday courses with Monday-Wednesday-Friday courses.

“We wanted an opportunity to problem-solve with the administration to figure out if we did need all those blocks or if we couldn’t creatively use the schedule we have to fit those needs,” said Suzanne Del Gizzo, chair of the Integrated Humanities center and professor of English. “The faculty felt like the new proposal was a dictum from above and there was a missed opportunity to make a really great schedule for everyone.”

At the moment, the faculty proposal will be a modification of the current schedule. But it is more of a stop gap in order to buy time for a more proper consultation process.

The college has not officially notified students of this change. It appears students have not been involved in the decision-making process. Students who have spoken to The Griffin are not in favor of an increase in Friday classes.

Fall 2024 registration is set to begin March 19.