NEIU seniors and alumni discussed recent problems they have encountered with the Geography Department Chair, Dr. Erick Howenstine, with Provost Lawrence Frank. Howenstine has also acted as an advisor to many of the students. These students are concerned for future geology students, considering the number of issues that have arose. Howenstine was not present at the meeting by the request of the students.
Senior Juan Rivera had senior Christian Ziwinski speaking on his behalf. He brought up issues Rivera had with an independent studies course that he wanted to develop on global warming. According to the course catalogue, he was required to speak with an instructor who would be willing to work with him on the course and get the approval of the department chair. His request was denied based on the fact that he was not qualified to take an independent studies course.
Frank addressed this issue by stating that at the time of the request he did not complete the courses that he needed to have the background for this study. The argument was made that course prerequisites where not stated in the course catalogue, that only approval from the chair was needed.
“That is the purpose of having the department chair’s approval, so that we can be sure you have the background necessary,” Frank explained.
The other concern that was raised was dealing with a minor in geology. Many minor students have taken their course work only in hydrology with one instructor and have not received the sampling expected for a minor in the area of study. These students discovered the problem when they were expecting to graduate. Frank explained that there seems to be a problem with how the course catalogue presents the minor and that must be clarified for future catalogs.
They also expressed some issues with curt behavior from Howenstine and availability issues in talking to him as an advisor. “One of the things the university is looking into right now is possibly having professional advisors instead of instructors acting as advisors,” Frank said. “[if it is done] this would take care of many of the problems with availability.”