Hold the Line on Class Sizes

12/9/2020

Dear FSU Members,

As the Spring semester approaches some faculty have noted the possibility of increased pressure to raise course caps due to financial constraints, enrollment concerns, and the fact that class sizes are not limited by physical space in the virtual world.  To reaffirm, for both in-person and distance learning courses, once course capacities are reached, only the individual faculty member may admit additional students (see Article 15.4 of the contract for more information). Faculty members have full discretion in this regard.  Class size has implications for the number and diversity of courses offered. It therefore has consequences for student learning, NTT faculty employment and overall faculty job satisfaction. 

If you experience any pressure to increase your course caps, and feel this is problematic, please feel free to contact the FSU.  Likewise, if you have any other comments or questions about class size or would like to join a small group of faculty who are working on this issue, please let us know.  This is your union! 

Steve Striffler

FSU President

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