English department keeps on keepin' on
Professors come together to keep classes running smoothly

Tyler Machado | staff writer

The St. Michael's College English department has endured a series of crises this year, but its faculty members have worked together to stay resilient throughout the trying times.

One thing after another

Professor Nathaniel Lewis helped students adjust their schedule with the loss of Professor John Engels. Larry Frisoli, photo

The difficulties for the English department began back in June when professor John Engels passed away.  Aside from the obvious emotional challenges that Engels' death presented, there were logistical issues that the school had to address.

At the start of the semester English department chair Nathaniel Lewis consulted with students in Engels' poetry classes about altering their schedules. Some were able to get into classes taught by professor Greg Delanty, English professor Will Marquess says.

“We tried to accommodate people as best we could,” Marquess says.

To add to the confusion, professor Robert Niemi broke his leg
early in the semester and has been unable to return for this semester.  As a result professor Kerry Shea has been covering for Niemi's film class, and professor John McDonald has taken over Niemi’s American literature class.

As seen this semester, when a professor has to unexpectedly leave for a long period of time, problems can arise in filling their posts for the rest of the semester.

“We look at specialties—who's got the expertise, then we look at who has availability in their schedule,” Lewis says of what goes into selecting professors to cover a class.

Another problem arose when professor Christina Root of the English department had to leave campus during advising week for a few days due to a family emergency. Marquess helped out by taking on some of her advisees who had not yet been cleared for registration.

“It’s an imperfect solution,” Marquess says. “Usually the adviser knows the student’s history and is able to talk about a whole two or three years worth of work.”

Lewis says the department has been very helpful in trying to keep classes running smoothly.

“There was no hesitation [from professors] to offer to cover classes, or help with grading,” he says.

Shifting gears

Professor Kerry Shea takes time out of her busy schedule to read a book. Larry Frisoli, photo

Shea has taken on Niemi’s two film classes, teaching five classes in a row, three days a week.

“I’m almost incoherent by the second film class,” she says.

The most difficult part for Shea is adjusting to the different conversations that different students have, since her classes are all discussion-based.

“There’s no way to prep for five classes in a row,” she says.  “Each class has such a different aura, a different dynamic. I have to be able to switch.”

Another difficulty has arisen in giving students
grades. Some have been taught by two different professors.  Shea and Niemi have to consult on grading, she says.

Shea says students have been very good sports during the transition period—both Niemi's students who have had to adjust to learning from a new professor, and her own students who have had to deal with shifted office hours and limited availability from their professor.

Shea has also tried to keep changes to the curriculum and syllabus in Niemi's classes to a minimum.  She removed one planned film, but the rest stayed.

“I think it's unfair to the students [to change the syllabus],” she says.  “It's hard for me to come in and simply change that.”

Lewis believes the department's professors have tried to minimize disruption to students, he says.

“I think the faculty understand that this could be unsettling for students,” Lewis says.

Sophomore Javan DeHaven is a student in Niemi's American literature class.  He says the transition to McDonald has gone really smoothly.

“I really like professor McDonald's teaching style, and the way he adapted it to our class,” DeHaven says.

A close bond among colleagues

The English department has been able to stay resilient in the face of trying times thanks in part to the strong bond between its professors.

Professor Lorrie Smith of the English department stands in her office in front of a poster of Bob Dylan. Larry Frisoli, photo

“It’s collegial first, because it’s a professional relationship,” Marquess says.  “But there’s a good deal of love in the hallway.”

Senior English major Alexandra Smith can see that bond amongst the faculty.

“They're all so close and supportive of each other and they definitely have a really strong connection,” she says.
“They work with each other and for each other, and it's really refreshing to see.”

According to Marquess, the professors don't let their differences keep them apart.

“We have differing approaches to literature and to politics, but even if we disagree, we support each other,” he says.

Shea is certain her colleagues would cover for her if it was needed, she says.

“It wouldn’t even occur to me that someone wouldn’t [cover classes] for me,” Shea says.

Lewis says that the department is what Herman Melville called a "joint stock company."

“It’s an extraordinary collection of people who care about each other, support each other, respect and admire each other, and often love each other,” Lewis says.