Jan 17 2009
So glad I didn’t go to York
One of the universities I applied to for my Master’s level was York U, which is in Toronto. Geographically, it is the closest of my options - a bit closer, even, than where I did end up. I am applying there again for my PhD year - but only as a backup to Trent… if I am accepted into the Canadian Studies program at Trent, that is where I will go… probably.
Not that York isn’t a good school - when they are not on strike. They are well known for multi-disciplinary research - and Dr. Raymond Mar, one of the two psychologists whose work I come back to repeatedly in reference to my own, is there.
But I sure am glad that I didn’t go there this year! They have been on strike since November 6. It is the TAs and contract profs that are out - so if I had gone there, I too would be on strike. Been there, done that - hated it. When the college I work for went out, I didn’t actually have to walk the picket line due to health issues - but I hated the whole thing anyway.
I teach. I love to teach. And I love to learn. Got no interest in walking picket lines, and I am very glad that I’m not caught up in this one.
At this point, the management have asked for a vote on the last offer; that is taking place shortly, and if the offer passes, classes could start again Jan. 22. If it doesn’t, it seems likely that students will lose their semester, and possibly all sorts of job and grad school opportunities. Even if it does, it is a mess - they will have to somehow cram a whole lot of uncompleted Fall semester content and exams in before they can even get started on the Winter semester courses, which for most started almost 2 weeks ago now.
Definitely a mess.
that was very strange… have no idea how the comments got closed
naughty gremlins!
Thanks for letting me know, Steph
Hey, it’s what I’m here for. I never was involved (directly) in a strike, but I don’t like dealing with them either, even from the outside. I’d hate being involved. I guess that’s the point