Georgetown students studying abroad in France are facing mass class cancellations as professors and student unions continue to protest against a new evaluation system enacted by the French Ministry of Higher Education.
Students have encountered these disruptions for a number of weeks. Some professors have continued to teach classes as scheduled, but others are either not holding class or have had to cancel class due to lack of student attendance.
“I have classes with a number of professors who are not striking for one reason or another. Only two out of my eight courses have not met since the introductory session three weeks ago due to strikes. I think that my situation is somewhat better than average, considering the experiences of the other Georgetown students here,” said Drew Peterson (SFS ’10), who is studying at Sciences Po Lyon.
The Ministry of Higher Education initiated the new program to improve academic research in France. Under the new policy, non-tenured professors would be rewarded with more time for research if they receive positive evaluations from the university president. According to The Guardian, some professors have voiced objections to the increased power given to presidents and the impending job cuts within universities. Student unions have also joined the effort, stating that this system may lead to fewer classes with these high-scoring instructors. Other reforms initiated by the education ministry include changing the way that teachers are trained, mandating that all instructors obtain a master’s degree.
The only Office of International Programs partner university not yet affected is Sciences Po Paris. According to The Guardian, approximately 45 percent of classes nationwide have been interrupted due to the unrest.
According to Jason Sanderson, an overseas studies adviser for the OIP, strikes have become a part of everyday life in France and surrounding countries – a recurring experience in his time as an overseas advisor. Sanderson reassured students who were worried whether their expected academic credit would transfer to Georgetown that if they are unable to complete their classes; that the situation would not threaten their academic standing.
“Most schools in France are just starting their second semester, and classes will run though May or even June, so the bulk of the semester still lies ahead, and most universities have significant `revision’ periods that could be used to make up missed classes,” Sanderson said in an e-mail. “The university is committed to overseas studies and, as such, will work with our partners to assure that students’ academic progress is not placed in jeopardy because of a situation that is beyond their control.”
The Georgetown programs in Strasbourg and Lyon are working on contingency plans that will provide tutoring sessions if the protest continues past next week’s semester break. Sweet Briar College and the Center for University Programs Abroad in Paris have already made similar arrangements.
Ryan Kurtz (COL ’10), who is studying abroad at Sciences Po Lyon, said the political and academic situations in Lyon has been largely unclear. On a day-to-day basis, Georgetown students are often forced to guess whether class is in session.
“There are certain days when all courses are canceled. . However, most days, it is necessary to go to the class to see if that particular professor is striking that particular day. So, quite often, exchange students go to class only to find an empty classroom,” Kurtz said. “It seems that the French students have some way of knowing when to go to class and when to stay home.”
Some professors in Lyon held an information session yesterday to brief students on the situation, which was the first time students were officially informed of the nature of the strike that started two weeks ago.
According to Josh Boswell (SFS ’10), who is also studying at Sciences Po Lyon, professors have provided a biased view of the government reforms.
“I’d say most of the Georgetown students here think the whole situation is kind of ridiculous and that there should be greater accountability for the professors,” Boswell said. “Honestly, I think some of the professors have overstepped ethical bounds in literally pleading their case with us and encouraging us to get involved, presumably on behalf of their jobs.”
The protest has turned violent in recent days. The Guardian reported that demonstrators across the country took to the street on Feb. 5, and that police were forced to use tear gas to quell the uprising. The Higher Education Ministry has since appointed a mediator to neutralize the situation.
Sanderson encouraged students to stay in contact with their advisers and stay away from the protests.
“In any situation where emotions run high, there is always potential for things to turn violent,” Sanderson said in an e-mail.
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