Thirty years ago, the Cooper Union suffered a financial crisis similar to today's. Professor Jameel Ahmad, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Department witnessed the events of that era firsthand offers his insights into our current and past situation.
In the fall of 1968, when Professor Ahmad began his teaching career at Cooper Union, the school's budget was expanding at the same pace as the nation's. President Richard F. Humphreys had enlarged the physics department, and there were plans to begin offering an accredited degree in Math, Chemistry and even Humanities. In addition to this, a Ph.D. program was established for the engineering school. Finally, an enormous tract of land called Green Camp was kept by The Cooper Union for use by the students and faculty alike.
Then economy of the United States collapsed in the 70s. The Cooper Union was unable to keep itself afloat. Ultimately, the costs of upkeep on the various laboratories were too much to handle. In addition, the extra faculty, technicians, and the cost of the Green Camp tipped the scale too far and the school fell into a period of extreme financial crisis.
To combat this crisis, the controlling powers jettisoned Green Camp and terminated the physics department. Students were given two options, join one of the engineering majors, or leave. Tenured professors were asked to leave due to the lack of teaching positions at the school. As a result, the teachers formed a union to protect their rights. At this point, the school consisted of three departments, one of Math, Science and Humanities, a second of Engineering and finally, Art and Architecture.
In the late 90s, the economy of the United States took off, and Cooper Union went right along with it. The stock portfolio expanded and Cooper Union experienced the "creeping phenomena." Similar to the 70s crisis, the expenses "creeped" upwards to match the lucrative stock portfolio, and when the stock market fell, the portfolio was incapable of covering all of the expenses.
Now The Cooper Union must make cutbacks to reduce costs. One place for suggested cutbacks is the hiring of professors. By the end of this year, six full time professors will have left the school, 4 in ME, 1 in EE and 1 in Chemistry. Professor Ahmad's suggestion is that they should not be replaced. Instead, to make up the loss of ME professors, teachers who had transferred out of the ME section should begin teaching there again.
Union rules allow a maximum of three classes per semester for full time professors. This rule should be followed closely, to make sure that Professors not only teach the full three classes but that there is popular student interest in them as well. This "tightening" of the schedule would maximize the educational potency of the class and ensure lively classroom discussion. "The key to this [financial crisis] would be," Professor Ahmad says, " to focus in on the Mission, focus in on why Cooper Union is there, Cooper Union is there to maximize that mission, you find the most relevant courses, and you make sure that every dollar you spend is really targeted to the education of the students."
Everyone must be involved in this mission. Professor Ahmad stressed the importance of speaking with the technicians and staff of the school, because they will know the inner workings of labs and certain classes with a different perspective than the Professors. In addition, the administration should solicit the advice of former students. These alumni have the unique standing of not only knowing Cooper Union from the inside out, but also as being professionals who are up-to-date in each field of study.
Professor Ahmad sees this crisis as an opportunity. "Our curriculum has not really been revised in a meaningful sort of way in many years, because we never really felt the need. In times of financial crisis there is also opportunity. Now you are forced to look at it, so when you revise the program you can make the curriculum more attractive." »»