Psych Graduate Wants Answers
Issue date: 10/3/05 Section: Letter to the Editor
I began taking classes at Lehman in January 2002. I recently graduated with a Master's degree and throughout the many classes and hours spent at Lehman, I had always felt it was a very positive experience and held Lehman College in high regard.
Recently, upon learning some news, I have begun to question my judgment. I was extremely upset to learn that one of the best professors that I have ever had, had been fired from her position as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department.
Besides, taking graduate courses, I also have taken a couple of undergraduate courses at Lehman College as well. Approximately three years ago, I took an undergraduate course in Abnormal Psychology with Professor Denise M. Frank. This particular class with Professor Frank turned out to be one of the best, and one of the most rewarding courses I have taken at Lehman. In fact, I would even have to go as far as to say that it was one of the best learning experiences ever, even taking into account my four years of undergraduate classes previously taken at another college. Needless to say and it bears to be repeated, one of the most positive experiences that I have ever had in a college classroom (undergraduate or graduate) was that class taught by one of the best professors that I have ever had, Professor Denise M. Frank.
I am furious over something that makes no sense. I am struggling to understand the politics of that department. How can a department fire a professor who has been teaching at Lehman for 6 years and hire a new adjunct, one whom the department would have no idea how he or she even teaches? I really would appreciate some answers and I know that there will be many other students affected by this situation and questioning the decisions of the department as well. It is unfathomable to me that someone who was nominated for both the Excellence in Teaching Award and Adjunct of the Year Award would be fired for not being able to teach. This is not only a disservice to the students of Lehman College, but an injustice to a Professor who dedicated her time and energy to the department and college.
Recently, upon learning some news, I have begun to question my judgment. I was extremely upset to learn that one of the best professors that I have ever had, had been fired from her position as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department.
Besides, taking graduate courses, I also have taken a couple of undergraduate courses at Lehman College as well. Approximately three years ago, I took an undergraduate course in Abnormal Psychology with Professor Denise M. Frank. This particular class with Professor Frank turned out to be one of the best, and one of the most rewarding courses I have taken at Lehman. In fact, I would even have to go as far as to say that it was one of the best learning experiences ever, even taking into account my four years of undergraduate classes previously taken at another college. Needless to say and it bears to be repeated, one of the most positive experiences that I have ever had in a college classroom (undergraduate or graduate) was that class taught by one of the best professors that I have ever had, Professor Denise M. Frank.
I am furious over something that makes no sense. I am struggling to understand the politics of that department. How can a department fire a professor who has been teaching at Lehman for 6 years and hire a new adjunct, one whom the department would have no idea how he or she even teaches? I really would appreciate some answers and I know that there will be many other students affected by this situation and questioning the decisions of the department as well. It is unfathomable to me that someone who was nominated for both the Excellence in Teaching Award and Adjunct of the Year Award would be fired for not being able to teach. This is not only a disservice to the students of Lehman College, but an injustice to a Professor who dedicated her time and energy to the department and college.