Teachers College of Columbia University has terminated the employment of Madonna G. Constantine, a tenured professor who was found by a university inquiry to have used the work of others in her papers numerous times. College officials referred calls to an outside public relations company, which in turn would only confirm that Constantine has been terminated, but that she may appeal the decision. When word of the findings became public in February, college officials stressed that Constantine remained employed. Constantine has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and accused her accusers of in fact copying her work — a possibility disputed by Columbia investigators. Teachers College officials said that a faculty panel reviewed the investigative group’s work before action was taken against Constantine. Her lawyer sent an e-mail to The New York Sun stating that his client’s accusers were liars. Last year, while charges were being investigated against her, Constantine found a noose outside her office and that incident — in which charges have yet to be filed — prompted widespread condemnations of racism. A grand jury investigating the noose incident has subpoenaed some of Constantine’s records.
The rising price of gas has prompted some colleges to eliminate Friday classes so students who commute can avoid driving to campus on one weekday. Volunteer State Community College is taking a different approach and giving students a Fridays-only option for general education through a program called “Full Time Friday.” Students will be able to take four general education courses in Friday meeting times only, which would be 8 a.m.-10:50 a.m.; noon-2:50 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.-6:20 p.m.; and 7 p.m.-9:50 p.m. In this way, students able to come to campus only once a week could move far along on general education requirements in a single semester. A combination online/in person option would allow students to come to campus only once a month.

insidehighered.com