Tenure candidates put emphasis on teaching

Last week, the University Board of Regents emphasized teaching ability as well as research success when they announced their professorship promotions.

Each year, individual schools and colleges of the University recommend a number of professors for tenure and University Provost Nancy Cantor reviews the list of names.

Promotions such as distinguished University professorships and tenure are decided by the Regents upon the recommendation of University President Lee Bollinger and Cantor, in conjunction with the advisory committee on University professorships.

At the meeting, Cantor brought to the table a resolution to increase the number of distinguished University professorships by 12, bringing the total to 30. Appointments to the new distinguished professorships will be made at the rate of approximately three per year.

"I always want to find ways to recognize the career of the faculty's exceptional accomplishments," Cantor said.

In the past, promotions were based on research experience. But now, instructors are being "evaluated on scholarly excellence of teaching," Cantor said.

Cantor said the University is dedicated to integrating research into the education of both undergraduate and graduate students.

After reviewing the professorship recommendations, Bollinger said he was impressed with the qualifications of the applicants.

"I was overwhelmed by the sterling quality of research and teaching," Bollinger said.

Other officials agreed the University has focused more on teaching ability this year.

"I was struck by the emphasis placed on not only scholarship but teaching as well," said Regent Philp Power (D-Ann Arbor). "Both are necessary characteristics for promotion."

The backgrounds of the different teachers and professors were also examined at the meeting. Their credentials show "how much our faculty has dedicated themselves directly in the classroom," Cantor said.

Regent Andrea Fisher Newman (R-Ann Arbor) said in past Regents meetings, attention was not placed on the professional history.

"I don't recall anyone really going through the background of individuals," Newman said. "But it's fascinating. We should hear more about it."

Regent Olivia Maynard (D-Goodrich) described University professors as "teachers of the leaders of the future."

Maynard said the schools and colleges of the University are encouraging their professors to concentrate not only on their research but also on their teaching skills.

05-18-98