Lecturer forced to retire
A much-loved Victoria University lecturer is bowing out – though not without a last ditch effort to stay.
History, philosophy, political science and international relations associate professor Dr Jay Shaw will teach his last class in November, after retiring from full-time employment in 2011.
However, Shaw, who had been on fixed-term teaching contracts for the past four years, said he was forced into retirement and did not want to leave.
The 74-year-old even offered to teach the courses for free. ‘‘I was told they couldn’t renew my contract and I had to leave at the end of the year. I told them I was willing to teach without any pay, but I got a negative reply.’’
Shaw was upset he had to leave, as he felt he still had a lot to offer to future generations, he said. He hoped his students could help reinstate him through a petition.
International student Alexander Janet, who initiated the petition, said he was baffled by Shaw’s departure. ‘‘[Shaw] is a treasure for students that cherish philosophy, education and more importantly a comparative approach that sees all philosophy as equally important.’’
Janet said it would be a big loss to future philosophy students if Shaw was not reinstated. ‘‘We honestly think it would be an asset lost for the students. I’m surprised they let someone go who is so passionate, who is so willing to give so much. It’s very sad.’’
A university spokeswoman confirmed Shaw’s contract had come to an end, but would not comment on the specifics of Shaw’s employment, citing privacy reasons.
The date for a person to retire from Victoria University was always reached by mutual agreement, she said.
Shaw, an Indian philosopher, is believed to be the first in New Zealand to receive a festchrift, a prestigious academic award in which articles by leading international scholars honouring his academic contribution are compiled.
Shaw has studied and taught at American universities, presented more than 100 papers, written 11 books and represented New Zealand at the World Parliament of Religion in 1993.
He is also the founder of many societies in New Zealand and India promoting philosophy and values and is proud of student assessments at Victoria and the University of Hawaii, which have rated his teaching as ‘‘perfect’’.