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An apprenticeship in retirement

19 November 2008

Dr Andrew Prentice

When researcher and lecturer Dr Andrew Prentice from the School of Mathematical Sciences saw his 65th birthday looming he decided it was time to retire.

Dr Prentice had clocked up 37 years service at Monash University and thought it was time to stand down from his lectern and make room for the younger generation of lecturers.

His students, however, had other ideas.

Upon learning of his intended retirement, a group of undergraduate students in Mathematical Sciences were horrified and set about lobbying Dr Prentice to change his mind.

They posted blogs on the web page The Andrew Prentice Appreciation Society, they lobbied on their Facebook pages and placed a bunch of roses at his office door.

"When I arrived at work I was overwhelmed to discover that a group of students from my class of 160 enrolled in the unit Multivariable Calculus, had pinned a beautiful bunch of roses on my office door," Dr Prentice said.

The students' activism led Dr Prentice to rethink his plans.

"It was a huge vote of confidence in my role as a lecturer and made all the effort I had put into the course this year worthwhile," Dr Prentice said.

Dr Prentice has since reconsidered his retirement plans with the support of the Dean of the Science Faculty Professor Rob Norris, and Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences Associate Professor Alan Pryde.

Dr Prentice will continue in his role as researcher and lecturer, but on a reduced work load.

"This means that I can continue to teach, which I love doing, and continue my research into the formation of the solar system," Dr Prentice said.

"However I have decided to make sure not to stand in the way of the advancement of younger members of staff and to hand over core teaching courses as it is appropriate that the baton be passed on after 37 years."

As for the Andrew Prentice Appreciation Society webpage, how it came to be is still a mystery to Dr Prentice.

"This page was set up by hundreds of former undergraduates who wanted to acknowledge my efforts as a lecturer in mathematics at Monash University," Dr Prentice said.

"It includes many humorous anecdotes and one-liners that I must have used during my lectures to keep the students alert and focused.

"These one-liners have come to be known as 'Prenticisms'."

To view the 'Prenticisms' visit the Andrew Prentice Appreciation Society Facebook group.