Faculty members have found themselves in the headlines far more often than many would have liked this year.
The Professor Richard Berthold debacle has exposed some serious conflicts within the faculty ranks that have left a bad taste in the mouths of many who observed the situation. But aside from what came across as a rather hypocritical stance on academic freedom, UNM professors have distinguished themselves as a eclectic group that can be both progressive and stodgy.
While faculty members have made great strides by improving the academic and research opportunities available for students, many have dug their heels into the ground, staunchly fighting change.
When one evaluates the merits of an institution, faculty are among the first to be noticed. The significant improvement in stature the University has acquired during the past few years has been thanks in large part to the extraordinary efforts of professors willing to set aside pay and prestige to improve UNM.
At the same time, the perception that students cannot speak with their professors, find them during office hours or turn to them for help is a significant problem. Many students aren't proactive enough when it comes to their education, but others fall through the cracks simply because they are too intimidated to step forward. College is supposed to be a learning experience, but survival of the fittest shouldn't be the metaphor for our graduation rates.
The attitudes and needs of the average college student have changed dramatically during the past 10 years. It is time for faculty who are paid to educate these students to accept that they also must change.
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Iliana Lim¢n
Editor in chief
