Tertius Dolens: The Student Experience of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association Strike*

Abstract

Le fondement théorique de notre étude sur l'expérience vécue par les étudiants d'une grève du corps professoral d'une université s'appuie principalement sur la formulation théorique de Blumer selon laquelle l'interaction entre des acteurs, dans un cadre industriel, peut être divisée en trois étapes: 1) interprétation de l'expérience; 2) établissement de nouvelles relations; et 3) direction du mouvement ou ajustement. Chaque étape entraîne un changement de situation ainsi que des modifications correspondantes de la perception de soi et des autres. Dans cette étude, nous intégrons également le travail de Stebbins sur les situations difficiles. Nous appliquons ces concepts fondamentaux à l'étude d'une grève où un élément puissant ‐ la main‐d'ceuvre ‐, représentée ici par le corps professoral, se mesure à un autre élément ‐ la direction ‐, représentée ici par l'administration. Par ailleurs, nous privilégions un point que les autres études perdent souvent de vue: l'effet de cette lutte sur un élément tiers moins puissant, à savoir la population étudiante. The theoretical basis for this study of the student experience of a university faculty strike is provided primarily by Blumer's theoretical formulation that interaction between actors in an industrial setting can be studied in three principal phases: (1) interpretation of the experience; (2) the forging of new and emergent relationships; and (3) lines of movement or adjustment. Each phase involves a change in situation along with corresponding changes in the perception of self and other. We also integrate Stebbins' work on predicaments. These major concepts are employed as we follow a strike in which one powerful sector, labour (represented here as Faculty), is pitted against another, management (represented here as Administration), and focus on what other studies often lose sight of—namely, the effect of the battle on a less powerful third sector, the students.

#FeesMustFall2016: Perceived and measured effect on clinical medical students

“…These questions were derived from the results and recommendations of the studies referenced at the beginning of the article. [15][16][17][18] Students had four options for each statement, namely 'strongly disagree' , 'disagree' , 'agree' and 'strongly agree' . The last part of the questionnaire included a validated PTSD screening tool developed by Brewin et al [21] The screening tool consisted of 10 questions and, according to the instructions, a score of ≥6 was considered positive for PTSD.…”

“…Lack of internet access may have been a factor contributing to this opinion. Canadian studies also found that lack of internet access played a role in student dissatisfaction during strikes, but suggested that communication with students should be through the official communication networks of the university, [15][16][17][18] which is currently Blackboard for UFS. Although the protests did not have a major effect on smoking, a third of the students confessed to consuming more alcohol and 40.0% experienced changes in sleeping patterns.…”

“…[22][23][24] Behaviour changes during protests are not unique to our setting, as various studies have reported that protests contributed to behaviour changes and increases in alcohol consumption. [15][16][17][18] Higher alcohol consumption may also contribute to increased financial expenditure.…”

“…This phenomenon of students feeling unsupported by authorities or universities has also been found in other studies. [16][17][18] Students felt stressed, with 79.7% fearing reoccurrence of protests. Despite the protests, stress levels never increased to abnormally high levels.…”

“…A negative effect on academic performance has been reported in other studies, but all were self-reported views. [15][16][17][18] Stress does not necessarily affect cognition negatively, and academic performance may even improve with moderate added stress. [9,29] Although #FMF2016 did not have a negative effect on academic performance, PTSD and increased alcohol consumption may have long-term effects on individuals in this already stressful environment.…”