YSU faculty air grievances, telling Tressel research goes unrecognized

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel met with faculty behind closed doors and learned about their concerns including a lack of support for research and student success.

Thursday morning’s meeting wasn’t part of the ongoing contract negotiations.

It lasted about an hour with about 120 faculty members attending.

“I think it was good for faculty to be able to air their grievances,” said Mark Vopat, an associate professor in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department. “People are upset.”

They’re not upset with Tressel, he said.

Vopat said emotions ran high at times, but faculty members also were measured and matter-of-fact as they explained their concerns. Some believe they aren’t getting adequate support from the university or that their research is not being recognized or even acknowledged, he said.

“I personally think YSU could be even better than it is,” Vopat said. “It’s a hidden gem. We have fantastic faculty.”

Many publish books and conduct research and complete other scholarship work outside of the classroom. They feel, however, that work is ignored and underappreciated, he said.

There’s also frustration that the university’s athletic budget is increasing while everything else is decreasing.

Read more about their concerns in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.