Petition to keep Physics at UNCG!

 

Over the last 3 months, an Academic Portfolio Review (APR) has been imposed on UNC Greensboro (UNCG) and a list of majors slated for discontinuation was announced on January 16th in an email from the Chancellor. 

Physics is a vital program among the natural sciences, and teaching calculus based physics is imperative to success in majors like Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. The Astronomy classes offered through the Physics dept attracts multitudes of students; 360 this semester alone. The amount of students who benefit from these courses is immeasurable(though I have included enrollment statistics for classes in spring 2024 at the bottom of this message if you’re curious!), and there are hopes of continuing to influence the future scientists and innovators that make their way through UNCG. 

The APR process has been widely opposed. Students, faculty, and the University community have spoken out in opposition, however administration continues with the push to cut programs despite no need (According to Bunsis Report, UNCG Administration during a Faculty Senate meeting, and the Faculty Senate.) As a student I am disheartened by the behavior of administrators, appalled that discussions of academic worthiness have resulted in mud slinging, laughs, and gaslighting from administration ( including from the Chancellor(paraphrasing)“I’ve published many papers, you publish a peer reviewed paper then well talk.”) APR has been proven to have false numbers by professors, and there haven’t been transparent and clear communications to students impacted by this process, or even empathy for the situation.

Discontinuation of this program affects current students, future students, and faculty teaching here. Current students are already jumping through hoops thanks to help from professors to graduate on time. Future students who are at risk, or considered “lower performers” will not have the opportunity to challenge themselves, and move up the social ladder; something UNCG prides itself on.  

I say all this to say: This department is smaller than other ones on campus, but it deserves the respect of a thorough review, one administration has yet to give us. We as students, faculty, and supporters of the program deserve respect, empathy, and communication from administration; at the bare minimum. 

 

Thanks for your time!

 

Spring 2024:

Astronomy courses total: 360

Conceptual Physics: 60

General Physics 1 with Calculus: 46

General Physics 1 with Calculus Lab total: 46

General Physics 1 total: 153

General Physics 1 Lab total: 153

General Physics 2: 111

General Physics 2 Lab: 111

Mechanics: 6

Thermal Physics: 1

Senior Seminar: 4

Experimental Physics 2: 5