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Professors to hold classes off campus due to strike

The University administration has taken a hard line against staff and faculty members who plan to join the picket lines set up by the Graduate Employees Organization today and tomorrow.

"I've written a letter encouraging all faculty and staff not to walk out," said Provost J. Bernard Machen.

LSA Dean Edie Goldenberg sent an e-mail message to LSA faculty instructing those teachers who do not report to class to inform the administration so those wages can be deducted from their paychecks.

However, the administration's warning has not deterred some professors from canceling, rescheduling or moving classes to off-campus locations.

Sociology lecturer Holly Peters-Golden said GEO's cause was worth any money that might be deducted from her paycheck.

"On balance, having my salary docked for one day pales in comparison to showing my support for GEO," Peters-Golden said.

English Prof. Richard Tillinghast said he believes in the importance of graduate student instructors. He said he would also support the two-day walk-out by holding his class at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house at its regularly scheduled time.

"I think GEO is full of people who do a lot of things for faculty," Tillinghast said. "I think they are overworked and underpaid."

Machen said the administration has not yet decided if it will dock pay for faculty and staff members who do not cross the picket lines.

"We have not decided on that," Machen said. "We expect all faculty and students and staff to go to classes tomorrow. That's their job."

Peters-Golden said she appreciated the clarification of the administration's position on faculty involvement in the work stoppage, but she would still join the picket line.

"I feel forewarned, but it doesn't change my mind," Peters-Golden said.