Wright State strike: Students claim their classes weren't covered

Some Wright State University students are voicing frustration that their classes were not covered today by the university as the faculty union went on strike.

WSU administrators told this media outlet that classes were set to continue today, despite the strike that started at 8 a.m. But, some students are posting on social media that their classes did not have an instructor today and that they were not told whether the course would be covered during its next session.

Faculty union members began picketing around 8 a.m. this morning outside entrances to campus on Colonel Glenn Highway and near the Nutter Center.

Students listed their classes that were not covered in a Facebook group called WSU Students for Faculty. Among the classes students listed as going unstaffed today were courses in English, Spanish, philosophy, cybersecurity, computer science and more.

“We arrived to class for a five minute lecture on why we need to follow the syllabus and continue working but no instructor would be provided,” Casey Blunt, an undergraduate studying business wrote in the Facebook group.

The university planned to have people checking classes today to make sure they were staffed and to take attendance. Students could be at risk of losing their federal student aid if they do not attend classes during the strike, according to the university.

“Having someone stand outside the door just to have us write our names does not count as covering a class,” Evelyn Belcher, an undergraduate in the WSU College of Liberal Arts posted in the Facebook group.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Prior to the strike, the university had announced that classes would go on though some might be consolidated, moved online temporarily or taught by a substitute. President Cheryl Schrader, an engineer, planned to return to the classroom during the strike, as did other administrators.

Despite some disruptions, the university reported that around 80 percent of classes usually taught by union members went on without issues today.

In some cases, faculty members who said they would be in class today did not show up, according to the university. When a faculty member did not show up, an academic department was contacted and students were either assigned alternative work or dismissed, according to WSU.

“I know our students feel they are caught in the middle today,” WSU president Cheryl Schrader said in a prepared statement. “While many classes went on as normal, some also experienced disruptions. In those circumstances, our students exercised great patience and respect as we knew they would. I thank them for their patience and positive attitude as we continue to assess our coverage requirements based on faculty attendance.”

FIVE FAST READS

• Easton to anchor expansion with new store in 2019

• WSU may face more scrutiny despite deal on federal visa investigation

• Heating costs could spike this winter as natural gas prices increase

• EXPERT: Wright-Patterson ‘crucial to avoiding a defeat if there’s a World War III,’

• What UD’s change in its China Institute says about shifts in higher education

In Other News

Some Christmas gift requests leave Santa speechless

Fallen Butler County soldier to be honored in his hometown

Area principal gets prestigious arts award

Low-fare airline launches nonstop flight from CVG to West Palm Beach

Here’s how you can help area students with school supplies in January