Brian Fuller, professor of media production at Calvin College, was placed on leave effective Monday, Nov. 11. The communications arts and sciences (CAS) department notified students via email about the situation.
Mark Williams, dean for the arts, languages and education, would not comment about Fuller and declined to comment to Chimes about Calvin’s process for placing a professor on leave.
The CAS department chairs, professors Kathi Groenendyk and Randall Bytwerk, wrote to students, informing them that efforts were being made to assure a smooth transition between instructors.
“We realize that this situation with Professor Fuller may be confusing and concerning to you,” the email read. “We assure you that we intend to work with you to support you as you complete the requirements of your major and provide you with recommendations and support in your future endeavors.”
Fuller’s leave was effective immediately, but it is important to note that he has not been dismissed or fired; he is still on Calvin’s staff, Bytwerk said.
However, his information has since been removed from Calvin’s people search function on the website.
While Fuller is on leave, Calvin policy prohibits student-professor communications.
“Under the conditions of Professor Fuller’s leave, Professor Fuller has been asked not to contact students: we ask that students also not contact him,” the email read.
When Chimes attempted to reach Professor Fuller via his Calvin email, we received an automated response stating, “I am not available to read or respond to email.”
The email also encouraged current students to voice opinions and reactions about the recent developments of Fuller’s leave.
“We value open communication with our students,” stated the email. “We encourage you to talk with either of us co-chairs with any reactions you may have to your relationship with Professor Fuller.”
Fuller’s Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (CAS 190) was taken over by Jim Korf, former Calvin professor of theatre and currently a professor at Hope College.
Professor Fuller began teaching at Calvin College in 2005 with his academic/research interests stated on the website as “documentary and experimental filmmaking; audio production and post-production; multi-camera studio production; holistic pedagogy in media production; liturgical multi-media technology.” In 1992 his work “Falloff” was awarded with an Emmy.
Future developments will be posted as Chimes learns more about the situation.
