On Monday, May 24, 2004, an Open Forum with Dr. Carlos Langoni, Acting Rector, was held to discuss the dismissal of Dr. Silvio Sirias. Ever since his removal from his position, many speculations have originated. This question-answer forum was meant to allow students to ask questions and express their thoughts regarding the dismissal of Dr. Sirias, as well as to dissipate any current rumors.

     The meeting was started by current SGAP President, Ricardo “Nimo” Agurcia, and Vice President, Thomas Booth. Dr. Langoni then proceeded to give us a quick overview on the situation, confirming that Dr. Sirias is no longer part of Florida State University. Dr. Langoni also made it clear that “Dr. Sirias was not fired… that is not an appropriate statement, it was previously agreed.” He assured us that he knew that Dr. Sirias was “a good instructor, and had a good relationship with students.” He explained, regarding the relationship with Administration and himself, that Dr. Sirias had “different ways of viewing how the program should be run, so it was to the best of interests of both parts for the relationship to not go on.”

     Throughout the questions asked by the students, many rumors were dissipated. Regarding the Pananole News Article, “Advising: The Eternal Struggle,” Dr. Langoni said that, “[it] was indeed a little controversial, but then again I didn’t mention that to him [Sirias] and he didn’t mention that to me.” He assured us that this was not the reason for his non-renewal of contract. Dr. Langoni also assured us that the rumors of the decision being influenced by other people on the Administration were false. He told us that the decision was taken by himself and people above him.

     Students were also concerned about the cancellation of courses taught by Dr. Sirias for the Summer session, as well as how the administration would find a replacement at the same level of Dr. Sirias. Many students stressed the fact that Dr. Sirias was not only a good instructor academically speaking, but had a connection with all of his students, and even with those that hadn’t taken classes with him. Dr. Langoni accepted that this task would not be easy, but that they will try to find someone who fulfills the requirements the university has for a Literature professor.

     The recurrent question was “What were the exact reasons for Dr. Sirias’ dismissal?,” to which Dr. Langoni replied repeatedly in the same way. He told us that he couldn’t tell us the specific reasons because they were several and they weren’t clearly written down.

     Towards the end of the meeting, students were getting restless and many of them started leaving. After the meeting was over, students commented among themselves their discontent with the answers that were provided. They felt that the purpose of the meeting, discussing the reasons for Dr. Sirias’ dismissal, was not fulfilled. Students hope that this is not the last word, and that the situation would be better clarified upon the arrival of the representatives of Tallahassee, which will be coming later this month, as Dr. Langoni informed us.


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