A union representing professors is criticizing the University of Delaware president after he wrote an opinion piece saying smart students are looking for alternatives online and that faculty should lose some autonomy in course design.
The News Journal reports the union is calling University President Patrick Harker's statements an affront to the university's educational mission and values.
Harker has led the university since 2007. He argued in a Philadelphia Inquirer piece that survival of universities depends on halting rising costs and rethinking their mission. He says universities should use technology, a more focused core curriculum and better use of faculty time to cut costs.
Gerry Turkel, a union executive council member, says it's inconceivable that a University of Delaware president would suggest alternatives to the education the school offers.
