“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” -Aristotle

This petition is to ask for Dr. Michael Sitvarin to keep his position as Assistant Professor of biology at Clayton State University. Earlier this semester, Dr. Sitvarin was made aware that the university would not be renewing his contract at the end of spring semester.

               Dr. Sitvarin is a well-loved professor and an effective one as well, and has advanced the education of the students that have come through his classes as they pursue their degrees. He has personally gone above and beyond for his students, including assistance in pursuing research opportunities, providing professional mentoring, and educating them regarding internship and graduate school opportunities. He has written letters of recommendation, stayed late after class to help struggling students, and is always available and accessible during his office hours. He is also always fun at the biology mixers after class. In short, he is exactly the type of professor we want to keep at Clayton State.

               The loss of Dr. Sitvarin will be reflected in the standard of education students receive at this institution. His absence will leave a gap in education that will reverberate throughout the student body, and even more so in the biology department. To lose a professor of Dr. Sitvarin’s magnitude would be more than a disservice to the students; it would be an egregious decision for the entire department and university, and many other students agree. As a paying student attending Clayton State University for a strong foundational education in biology who believes strongly that he is an excellent professor, I humbly and ardently request that you consider renewing Dr. Sitvarin’s contract instead.