Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Dear all,
the hearing took place last week and as planned, our ÖH representative handed over the list of signatures to the jury. Right afterwards, a little message from Steve reached us which addresses all students who added their supportive voices to this petition:
------------------------------------------------------------
To all those who signed their names in my support:
Ever since I learned that some of you kicked off a petition in support of my application for the interim position of assistant professor in American Studies late last week, I knew that I wanted to reach out to all of you personally to express my most sincere and most heartfelt gratitude.
As some of you know, I'm not necessarily someone who is easily rendered speechless. However, your public declaration of support left me not only with a loss for adequate words but it also left me both humbled and greatly encouraged as I went to the job hearingon Friday. I was simply struck by the fact that 83 of you put forth their names.
When I told a close friend in North American academia about the petition, he responded by saying that any university scholar, who cares deeply about the classes they teach and the students who attend them, would readily give their left arm for a vote of confidence like the one you extended towards me.
While some who are in the 'teaching profession' may dismiss the old adage that says 'in learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn' as a mere cliché, I do not count myself among them; and, I think that your collective initiative speaks to an ideal in higher learning and in education in general that is perhaps more often than not obscured by the vagaries of 'the system'.
And, while there are no results about the job selection process as yet, I would like to think that your support is going to send out pronounced 'ripples'.
Lest I appear too 'wordy': Y'all got my ineffable gratitude!
Moreover, I would also like to extend a special note of thanks to those of you who kicked off the petition, those who left supportive and well-argued words in the comments section, and to our student representative, Elisa, who presented those in charge of the selection process with the results of the petition.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you around the Department a bit more often once I have completed my PhD defense later this month; and, if all goes well, I'm also looking forward to even more encounters in the fall term: to more treks across the American West in geography, history and the imagination, to more hands-on experiences with American literature and films both in classes and at our movie nights, and, hopefully, to more science fiction studies.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best for a productive and successful final month of the summer term.
Steve R.
------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign this petition by Thursday, 29 May 12:00 am at the latest, so that our signatures can be passed on in time.* Thank you!
Steve, who is himself an alumnus of the IAA, has not only instructed us in Writing and Speaking classes over the last few years, but has also been an inspiration to us in the field of Cultural Studies.
His seminars with a focus on US-American history, science fiction and media studies (television and film) were much-loved by his students, and we consider him to be a rare specimen of the ‘academic species’: A teacher who has also stayed a student.The passion he displays when teaching is reflected in us, his students; and he never fails to let us know that we have valuable contributions to make. Thus,Steve not only passes on his extensive knowledge of Anglophone cultures but also acts as a role model, both for those of us who aspire to be teachers and those who could see themselves pursuing an academic career - and even for those who do not want to pursue these paths, but just want to be half as well prepared, informed, kind and insightful as he is. His well-structured and intensive classes convey the importance of asking questions rather than providing black-and-white answers, of opening our minds and broadening our horizons.
In short, Steve constantly demonstrates his passion
for what he does and has the ability to pass this energy on to his students.
This is what makes his classes and his presence in the department such a
valuable and loved addition to the IAA.
This petition primarily addresses students and alumni from the IAA, but also invites members from the AAU's other departments to participate, sign and share their opinion, since Steve's classes have also always attracted various students from other departments or disciplines.
Please sign, and feel free to add your beliefs why Steve should be teaching at the IAA again in the comment/discussion section.
*Your signatures will be collectively saved as a PDF file, printed, and handed in with the department's student representatives.
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Updates
May 16, 2014
just wanted to pass along that note from steve since it really says it all about why we started this. the hearing is done but we are staying on them until we get a real answer about his position.
May 16, 2014
im still processing steves message and the incredible energy around this. seeing how many people stepped up to back him is honestly overwhelming and it proves just how much he belongs back at the iaa.
22 Comments
Steve Rabitsch should be a part of the English department again, not only because of his knowledge and teaching skills but also because he teaches his courses with passion - a fact that students notice and appreciate. He expects a lot from students, but he gives back a lot as well. He not only offers insight into the topics, but continuously encourages students to put in their own contributions. Under his guidance, students learn about important issues in American Studies, but they also learn to work and study independently, which is an important skill. Because of these reasons, the English Department and its students would only benefit if Steve Rabitsch were to teach here again.
Steve is such an inspiration - I actually cried the day I new I wouldn't be able to take courses anymore. Steve's courses are true highlights and I have always learnt more from them than the subjcet. In addition, he had the ability to bring his course groups together and start amazing discussions and conversations. I wish that other students get the chance to gain knowledge and insights from this great teacher!!!
I have been to two universities, each on a seperate continent and a seperate hemisphere and I have never met a lecturer who was able to tap into the world that his/her students lived and brought mundane topics into a new and exciting light. Of all the courses at the AAU I found Steve's far exceeded my expectations.
Although i had with him only class, but i recognized him as skilled and passionate person, I wish he could stay in this University that further students benefit from his knowledge and presence in this university.
It is thanks to people such as Steve that we can study and work in such a lively and creative environment at our department. His dynamic courses always motivate students to contribute their best efforts to turn them into an exciting activity, the pursuit of both academic knowledge, and enlightenment which goes beyond the borders of the classroom. Therefore, we truly need inspirational teachers like him at our department!
First off: Since these questions might be relevant for more than just one student, I'd be grateful if people could UPVOTE this post so that many others can find it easily, too. Also, other thoughts/opinions are more than welcome, so please also make use of the REPLY function and share your own views. :-) Now to the actual post: I will try to answer this according to my best knowledge, but given that we, the people behind this petition, are just students as well, we of course cannot answer for either Steve, the people working at the department, or the people conducting the hearing. So, let’s just see if we can go through your questions one by one. “What is the precise current situation? Which are the circumstances? Is it a dismissal or what? There must be reasons given of the opposing party why he cannot hold classes any longer.” (I will try to answer these together, because the separate answers would be related.) There will be a one-year-long vacancy at our department starting with next winter semester, because one of the professors will leave for a year. Amongst others, Steve Rabitsch has applied for the position. The reason why he has not taught at the IAA this semester (summer semester 2014) is more of a bureaucratic nature than anything else: The contract he had with the AAU only allowed him to teach for a certain number of consecutive semesters. I do not know the details about it, I guess you could ask at our secretary’s office for that if you’re interested. So, you see, I think this is not so much a matter of any “opposing party” but more of a bureaucratic situation that he wasn’t teaching us this semester, and that he applied for a new job at the department for the next year. “Does Steve want to continue his work at IAA, what are his plans? “ As for whether or not Steve would like to continue his work at IAA: Since he is not affiliated with this petition, I cannot speak for Steve, for that you would have to ask him yourself. But my guess
very good teacher
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Share this petition to help it reach more people.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Dear all,
the hearing took place last week and as planned, our ÖH representative handed over the list of signatures to the jury. Right afterwards, a little message from Steve reached us which addresses all students who added their supportive voices to this petition:
------------------------------------------------------------
To all those who signed their names in my support:
Ever since I learned that some of you kicked off a petition in support of my application for the interim position of assistant professor in American Studies late last week, I knew that I wanted to reach out to all of you personally to express my most sincere and most heartfelt gratitude.
As some of you know, I'm not necessarily someone who is easily rendered speechless. However, your public declaration of support left me not only with a loss for adequate words but it also left me both humbled and greatly encouraged as I went to the job hearingon Friday. I was simply struck by the fact that 83 of you put forth their names.
When I told a close friend in North American academia about the petition, he responded by saying that any university scholar, who cares deeply about the classes they teach and the students who attend them, would readily give their left arm for a vote of confidence like the one you extended towards me.
While some who are in the 'teaching profession' may dismiss the old adage that says 'in learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn' as a mere cliché, I do not count myself among them; and, I think that your collective initiative speaks to an ideal in higher learning and in education in general that is perhaps more often than not obscured by the vagaries of 'the system'.
And, while there are no results about the job selection process as yet, I would like to think that your support is going to send out pronounced 'ripples'.
Lest I appear too 'wordy': Y'all got my ineffable gratitude!
Moreover, I would also like to extend a special note of thanks to those of you who kicked off the petition, those who left supportive and well-argued words in the comments section, and to our student representative, Elisa, who presented those in charge of the selection process with the results of the petition.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you around the Department a bit more often once I have completed my PhD defense later this month; and, if all goes well, I'm also looking forward to even more encounters in the fall term: to more treks across the American West in geography, history and the imagination, to more hands-on experiences with American literature and films both in classes and at our movie nights, and, hopefully, to more science fiction studies.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best for a productive and successful final month of the summer term.
Steve R.
------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign this petition by Thursday, 29 May 12:00 am at the latest, so that our signatures can be passed on in time.* Thank you!
Steve, who is himself an alumnus of the IAA, has not only instructed us in Writing and Speaking classes over the last few years, but has also been an inspiration to us in the field of Cultural Studies.
His seminars with a focus on US-American history, science fiction and media studies (television and film) were much-loved by his students, and we consider him to be a rare specimen of the ‘academic species’: A teacher who has also stayed a student.The passion he displays when teaching is reflected in us, his students; and he never fails to let us know that we have valuable contributions to make. Thus,Steve not only passes on his extensive knowledge of Anglophone cultures but also acts as a role model, both for those of us who aspire to be teachers and those who could see themselves pursuing an academic career - and even for those who do not want to pursue these paths, but just want to be half as well prepared, informed, kind and insightful as he is. His well-structured and intensive classes convey the importance of asking questions rather than providing black-and-white answers, of opening our minds and broadening our horizons.
In short, Steve constantly demonstrates his passion
for what he does and has the ability to pass this energy on to his students.
This is what makes his classes and his presence in the department such a
valuable and loved addition to the IAA.
This petition primarily addresses students and alumni from the IAA, but also invites members from the AAU's other departments to participate, sign and share their opinion, since Steve's classes have also always attracted various students from other departments or disciplines.
Please sign, and feel free to add your beliefs why Steve should be teaching at the IAA again in the comment/discussion section.
*Your signatures will be collectively saved as a PDF file, printed, and handed in with the department's student representatives.
Updates
May 16, 2014
just wanted to pass along that note from steve since it really says it all about why we started this. the hearing is done but we are staying on them until we get a real answer about his position.
May 16, 2014
im still processing steves message and the incredible energy around this. seeing how many people stepped up to back him is honestly overwhelming and it proves just how much he belongs back at the iaa.
22 Comments
Steve has proven to be a inspiring teacher. He encourages critical thinking and creativity, challenges students both in the classroom as a group and individually, and he offers so much insight, knowledge and different ways of approaching the topics he presents. As a teacher he expects a lot from his students and approaches his students with sensitivity and useful feedback. The department has and would greatly benefit from his teaching!
Steve Rabitsch should be a part of the English department again, not only because of his knowledge and teaching skills but also because he teaches his courses with passion - a fact that students notice and appreciate. He expects a lot from students, but he gives back a lot as well. He not only offers insight into the topics, but continuously encourages students to put in their own contributions. Under his guidance, students learn about important issues in American Studies, but they also learn to work and study independently, which is an important skill. Because of these reasons, the English Department and its students would only benefit if Steve Rabitsch were to teach here again.
Steve is such an inspiration - I actually cried the day I new I wouldn't be able to take courses anymore. Steve's courses are true highlights and I have always learnt more from them than the subjcet. In addition, he had the ability to bring his course groups together and start amazing discussions and conversations. I wish that other students get the chance to gain knowledge and insights from this great teacher!!!
I have been to two universities, each on a seperate continent and a seperate hemisphere and I have never met a lecturer who was able to tap into the world that his/her students lived and brought mundane topics into a new and exciting light. Of all the courses at the AAU I found Steve's far exceeded my expectations.
Although i had with him only class, but i recognized him as skilled and passionate person, I wish he could stay in this University that further students benefit from his knowledge and presence in this university.
It is thanks to people such as Steve that we can study and work in such a lively and creative environment at our department. His dynamic courses always motivate students to contribute their best efforts to turn them into an exciting activity, the pursuit of both academic knowledge, and enlightenment which goes beyond the borders of the classroom. Therefore, we truly need inspirational teachers like him at our department!
First off: Since these questions might be relevant for more than just one student, I'd be grateful if people could UPVOTE this post so that many others can find it easily, too. Also, other thoughts/opinions are more than welcome, so please also make use of the REPLY function and share your own views. :-) Now to the actual post: I will try to answer this according to my best knowledge, but given that we, the people behind this petition, are just students as well, we of course cannot answer for either Steve, the people working at the department, or the people conducting the hearing. So, let’s just see if we can go through your questions one by one. “What is the precise current situation? Which are the circumstances? Is it a dismissal or what? There must be reasons given of the opposing party why he cannot hold classes any longer.” (I will try to answer these together, because the separate answers would be related.) There will be a one-year-long vacancy at our department starting with next winter semester, because one of the professors will leave for a year. Amongst others, Steve Rabitsch has applied for the position. The reason why he has not taught at the IAA this semester (summer semester 2014) is more of a bureaucratic nature than anything else: The contract he had with the AAU only allowed him to teach for a certain number of consecutive semesters. I do not know the details about it, I guess you could ask at our secretary’s office for that if you’re interested. So, you see, I think this is not so much a matter of any “opposing party” but more of a bureaucratic situation that he wasn’t teaching us this semester, and that he applied for a new job at the department for the next year. “Does Steve want to continue his work at IAA, what are his plans? “ As for whether or not Steve would like to continue his work at IAA: Since he is not affiliated with this petition, I cannot speak for Steve, for that you would have to ask him yourself. But my guess
very good teacher
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Steve has proven to be a inspiring teacher. He encourages critical thinking and creativity, challenges students both in the classroom as a group and individually, and he offers so much insight, knowledge and different ways of approaching the topics he presents. As a teacher he expects a lot from his students and approaches his students with sensitivity and useful feedback. The department has and would greatly benefit from his teaching!