I think the faculty at Cal Poly are right in their move to strike. The administration has received over 20 percent in gradual pay increases and the teachers, who are the front line of student education, received a 3 percent increase in the early 2000s. Almost everyone knows that inflation is estimated at 3 percent per year, so this raise means almost nothing. Not to mention, housing costs are insane in this area. Where are the faculty expected to live? What is the motivation for teachers to come to Cal Poly? Is it the fact that it is a good school in a beautiful area? Try feeding that to your family.
Also, our fees have gone up by nearly 20 percent since my career began at Cal Poly. None of the changes instituted have affected me whatsoever, except for the disappearance of parking spots, an increase in parking fees, and the new, worthless registration programs. I would like to see the teachers that I thought made a profound impact on my life be rewarded for their excellent craft.
Unfortunately, grades are a useless reward for teachers. Professors like Bob Spiller, Bob Thompson, Lynn Hamilton, and Lisa Coffman deserve something extra. If I knew that a special fee would go straight to the teachers, I would happily pay it. No teacher has put me up to this as it is my opinion, but the issue needs to be addressed and remedied.
Mark Mraule
Agribusiness senior