I am sure there are professors who will write back concerning the validity of this letter. However, I feel many students at Penn State will agree with my concern.

Almost every department at Penn State has a professor who qualifies to this scenario. They come to the University as an insipiring scholar who embarks upon unprecedented answers to historically mystified research questions. They teach classes with enthusiasm and vitality; their students love their style of teaching. They are highly respected by colleagues in their area of specialization. After four to six years of an excellent report card in all these areas, they are awarded tenure.

This is when everything goes downhill. When professors at Penn State become tenured they no longer seem to publish their research or teach well. If professors do not live up to the prerequisites that got them lifetime employment at the University then they should be fired.

Today, if doctors cut patients wrongly during surgery they get sued for malpractice. If lawyers use false evidence in court, they may be disbarred. And if accountants poorly manage a business then they are fired. What is the penalty for a professor who poorly teaches one class and can never be found during office hours? Nothing.

There should be some justification for tenured instructors who do not produce in research, instruction or community work at Penn State. I urge all students here to seek those professors in our discipline because they exist and ask their superior to seriously consider if your tuition money is being well spent.