Big F

Issue

I am a long-time adjunct instructor. My course is being reviewed by the curriculum committee and I told the chair I wanted to attend the meeting to hear the discussion. He replied that those meetings are only for “big F” faculty members.

Possible Responses

• If you are surprised, angry, or hurt, name it. “I am surprised to hear that. I thought my contributions here were valued.”
• Ask with curiosity, “Is that how faculty are classified by the department or University?”
• Or ask, “Who should I speak with to learn the policies about curriculum committee?”
• “Could you help me understand the other ways you see a difference between Big F and Small F faculty.”