Help, I think my professor is a Scientologist
Date: February 02, 2004 07:40AM
Corboy nailed it right on the head. There is just one complication. If you write an anonymous letter, how do you know what's being done about this professor? You may very well spend days and god forbid WEEKS wondering whether or not the dean is doing something about this professor. It really depends on the college. If it's reputable, I'm sure the dean is taking it seriously. I'm the type of person who has gone toe to toe with professors on several occassions. I've complained about them to department heads, deans, and presidents of the university. I have never once felt intimidated, or that I was the target of reprisal. I always got a reasonable result.
On the other hand, you know your own situation better than we know your situation. If you are heavy set on being anonymous for now, then you will need to send out as many feelers as possible. Like Corboy said, reach out to other students (if it's a big lecture hall style psychology class, it's not too difficult to do this and maintain anonymity). Does your class have a side lab and/or recitation? If you can bond with the teacher's assistant, you may learn something.
That part about "public criticism" in his syllibus makes me suspicious. My guess is someone has been offended with his ways, and made some public attempt to draw awareness. It would be nice to know who it was, I'm sure that person could enlighten you a lot on this professor's intentions. If you haven't already, do a google on the professor's name, you may come up with a website or 2.
I think about this thread sometimes because I remember fondly my college days, both good times and bad. Like I said, I managed to remedy those bad times, and I hope you do too.