The University of Rhode Island, recognized as one of the leading public research institutions of higher education throughout the United States, employs approximately 500 part-time faculty members to teach more than one-third of the entire undergraduate curriculum. It is a fact that, without the instructional services offered by these 500 part-time faculty members, URI would not be able to meet the educational needs of its diverse student body.

Yet educators who fulfill this essential role remain exploited, underpaid and ultimately devalued within the URI community. This long-standing mistreatment of part-time faculty at the state’s flagship university goes largely unseen by students, parents, alumni and the taxpayers. It is reasonable to assume that these groups would be disappointed and shocked to learn that these highly-educated and dedicated professionals earn poverty-level wages.

Part-time faculty are proud to be part of this university community and represent some of the “best and brightest” minds in our state’s education community. They are committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals, but we are no longer willing to accept our status as second-class citizens. It is time for URI leaders to end the mistreatment of these educators who work countless hours to make a difference in the lives of students.

In its promotional material, URI proclaims: “Think Big – We Do.” It’s time for big thinking to mean a learning community where all professionals are valued equally and treated with dignity and respect.