Thank you for signing the MSU “Do Better” petition. Last night I emailed the petition to President Stanley, Mark Largent, Teresa Woodruff, Keith Promislow (Math Dept Chair) and the respective deans of the College of Agriculture, Arts & Letter, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Social Sciences & Natural Sciences.

Since starting the petition I’ve learned a few things I’d like to share. I’ve spoken with faculty representatives who have told me that many faculty members are unsatisfied with the administration's Covid protocols, (specifically a lack of notification of cases in their classrooms and lack of adequate tracing). This has created an environment that has left some educators reluctant to return to in-person teaching. I share the faculty’s concerns about MSU’s lack of transparency.

Mark Largent’s recent Facebook post detailing the University’s plan for Spring (84% in-person classes, 74% of seats) is a welcome improvement over fall (67% in-person classes, 48.5% of seats), if it comes to fruition. However, we need to continue our efforts. Addressing the chairs, dept. leads, and provosts is key. 

If a change in modality occurs this Spring, after the date of registration, ask your student to email the chairs and provost in those departments with the course number, instructor, and date the modality changed. It should be done as soon as the student is aware. 

Likewise, if the quality of an online class falls below what you and your student reasonably expect in a University setting, encourage your student to email department chairs with the specific details.

The chairs hold the power to take the first line of action with faculty. Provosts are next after the dept. chairs/heads. It’s a very bureaucratic process. 

I understand an undergraduate student might find these steps intimidating, but I think that’s the intent. Without giving specifics to dept. heads, our complaints remain anecdotal.

I also wanted to share this Detroit News column today, covering the petition. 

The petition will remain active. Please keep sharing and talking about these issues with your students and other parents. I am hopeful that support will continue to grow and together we can hold the University accountable for providing a quality education for every MSU student.

Thank you for your support and engagement.

Terry