Dear Monmouth University Community,
On February 5th, 2025, the SGA unanimously passed SGA Resolution S25-01, calling for the requirement of all faculty to post syllabi, assignment information, and grades on eCampus to the benefit of the student academic experience.
In the spirit of shared governance, we took our concern to the Division of Academic Affairs, Faculty Council, and FAMCO, our faculty union. We always welcome the opportunity for collaboration with our campus partners. As an organization, we have made it clear that the SGA stands for fair and equitable access to grades, assignment information, and syllabi. Unfortunately, FAMCO holds the official position that requiring the use of eCampus beyond the posting of a syllabi infringes upon “faculty’s academic freedom and professional autonomy.” It was explicitly implied that student concerns should be tabled until the next faculty contract negotiations in 2027, two years too late.
We wholeheartedly believe that standards across the academic experience as it pertains to our resolution do not represent a violation of faculty’s academic freedom. The SGA encourages creativity and autonomy from our faculty in ways that embolden the learning experience. We stand with FAMCO in the belief that protecting academic freedom and professional integrity should remain at the core of their mission. However, our policy does not move to erode faculty autonomy in determining tools and methods of evaluations, it empowers them to provide a better experience to students. SGA Resolution S25-01 is a common sense set of recommendations to the benefit of the university community.
As an organization, we have every intention of continuing discussions on this issue with our campus partners united by a shared goal of an elevated academic experience. Students and faculty share a special connection that is at the foundation of higher education. Our call for fair and equitable access to grades, assignment information, and syllabi is one that promotes student success and is emblematic of the trust that exists between us.
Let’s capitalize on that special relationship to make Monmouth a better place for students to learn. Let’s bring faculty, administrators, and students to the table to find a path forward. Together, we will invent a solution that satisfies both student and faculty priorities.
2027 is two years too late. Stand with us, sign the petition.
https://forms.office.com/r/BjLfH99Caz
For a stronger Monmouth,
The SGA Cabinet
Tanner Purdy, President
Eliana Duarte, Vice President
Matthew Gold, Pro-Tempore
Michael Makfinsky, Attorney General
Sherly Gonzalez-Lopez, Director of Finance
Aidan Murray, Director of University Affairs
Emma Vinci, Director of Access & Inclusion
Jacqueline Tamburrino, Director of Programming
Brendan Sheehan, Director of Public Relations
