A couple of weeks ago University of Salford lecturer, Gary Duke, was sacked for producing a spoof newsletter which, for the University, amounted to "gross misconduct". Gary, a UCU union rep who led the protests against job cuts at Salford, also had his PhD suspended for which he'd been studying for years.
"By suspending me as a student and attacking my PhD, they want to take away my right to earn a living as a lecturer in the future" he said "This is particularly vindictive."
It hasn't stopped the University keeping Gary's message on its website of how great the place is for studying PhDs. Ironically, Gary's PhD was looking at "various political challenges to Liberal Democracy"…Ouch!!!
Here's Gary's Testimonial…to be taken with a large pinch of salt…
ESRI - Student Testimonials
"I am currently in my first year and have found the level of academic support to be of a very high standard. Academic resources, the skills and commitment of the teaching and support staff have in fact been vital in making my study at Salford stress-free and a continuing pleasure.
As part of the first year I am taking the core MRes modules which are designed to develop my research skills along with my conceptual understanding of my chosen thesis topic on the various political challenges to Liberal Democracy. I feared these would be dry and dusty modules but have instead found them to be intellectually stimulating and a great help to my own research interests. I look forward eagerly to the next three of hard work!"
Gary Duke, PhD student 2002-
Meanwhile, Gary Duke is appealing against his dismissal and the suspension of his PhD…
Stop Press: 22nd August 2009
Aw they just took Gary's testimonial off the site - nice to know they read my page though!
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