Dear Editor,
Over the past few days, concerning aspects of Dean Sansalone’s approach to reforming the School of Engineering have received considerable exposure. However, little coverage has been given to the positive changes she has implemented within the School.
Dean Sansalone has set in motion some great initiatives toward her goal of improving the Engineering School. For example, she’s done much to expand the study-abroad program for engineering students. And she has initiated an undergraduate scholarship program to facilitate and support recipient students’ in-depth research experience under faculty supervision. She also has increased the emphasis upon student evaluations of engineering course instruction, in an effort to increase professors’ accountability with respect to teaching.
While some of Dean Sansalone’s actions may have appeared precipitous, it seems impetuous that some be calling for removal so relatively early in her tenure. Some problems in the School’s program may have been overcorrected in attempts to implement reform. However, an allowance of sufficient time to observe and possibly adjust, if necessary, seems prudent. One of the Dean’s policy changes that caused widespread dissent among students was her dismissal of adjunct professors. However, after considering the responses from many students, some of those instructors soon will be returning.
In short, I do believe that Dean Sansalone cares about the students, and that she is committed to making the Engineering School pre-eminent.
Allison Pitt
Systems & Chemical Engineering, ’08