by Alisha Rosas
Managing Editor
Due to a sudden illness, Professor of Psychology Arthur Gonchar has taken a medical leave of absence and is not expected to return for the rest of the semester.
“He’s had a mild heart attack,” said Roger Russell, director of psychology. “I do not know the exact diagnosis. I do know that he had a clogged artery to the heart.”
Dr. Gonchar, who is currently at home on bed rest, wrote via e-mail that “he must restrict physical activity until medically certified to return to ordinary daily activities.”
Until then, however, Dr. Gonchar’s four classes that he teaches at the University of La Verne are in the hands of his colleagues.
“Full-time faculty have been recruited or have agreed to provide the lessons for his classes.
“[The faculty] are filling in until the end of the semester,” said Dr. Russell.
Dr. Gonchar wrote that he feels confident in his coworkers abilities to handle his classes.”Each professor is an expert in the field and each has taught these classes before. They are following the course outline and course requirements will be fulfilled.”
Dr. Russell said that although Dr. Gonchar has said that he hopes to return before the end of the semester, he does not want to interrupt with Dr. Gonchar’s healing process.
“He [Dr. Gonchar] is not being pressured to come back any sooner than he is ready to come back,” said Dr. Russell. “Everything is covered by the department to fill the gap and will be filled until he is able to take over again.”
Dr. Gonchar also wrote that he is being informed of his classes’ progress throughout the remainder of the term.
“The faculty of the Psychology Department has responded quickly and professionally to this unexpected circumstance,” wrote Dr. Gonchar in regard to what the department has done to make up for his absence. “I have every confidence that students in these classes will have the finest academic experience.”
As for his health condition, Dr. Russell said, “As it currently stands, he is recovering well. He just needs to rest.”
