Thorough examination

'U' must ensure administrators uphold ethics

Although the recommendation only came down last month, the University's incoming dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts has already stirred controversy. Chosen from an applicant pool of more than 100 people, University of British Columbia Dean of Faculty of Arts Shirley Neuman was the LSA Dean Search Advisory Committee's first choice. But former UBC sessional Gary Arbuckle insists that by involving herself in a 1996 UBC investigation regarding research funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, a board on which she served, Neuman ignored a personal conflict of interest. The University should make sure to uphold the highest standards of academic conduct, but at the same time give Neuman the benefit of the doubt.

In 1996, a UBC graduate student filed a complaint with the UBC sociology department regarding the ethical practices of a professor. The complaint was filed on behalf of the professor's use of an aboriginal people in Japan as human research subjects. By getting involved, Arbuckle argues, Neuman broke UBC research complaint policy and presented a conflict of interest by diverting the complaint from the department head to herself.

But according to the procedure of handling a complaint in 1996, Neuman acted within her boundaries. It was not until February, 1997, that the board amended the procedure. Now similar complaints go to the vice president for Research, or a department head, before the dean.

Neuman's procedures have been reviewed by SSHRC members, many with no connection to Neuman, and have concluded that she did not misconduct herself. Neuman removed herself from the investigation when SSHRC began to examine the complaint.

The University's LSA Dean Search Advisory Committee was aware of the charges against Neuman while making its decision. Members even met with UBC faculty and staff to discuss the issue, and their opinion of her remained high, as there was no evidence that she did not follow University policy.

Neuman has the potential to bring a great deal to the University. She has been a supporter and defender of an under-funded arts department. Although a vital aspect of education, arts programs in the United States too often are overlooked and disregarded. But the arts have been recognized as an integral discipline in education and have been shown to improve students' overall performances in other subjects. It also provides a creative alternative to routine academics.

According to University History Prof. Bill Rosenberg, the LSA Dean Search Advisory Committee chair, Neuman "is committed to excellence across the institution" - something the University can profit from tremendously.

It would be wise for the University to keep the incident with the incoming dean in mind as she takes on her new role, but she should not be prematurely condemned. The University appears to have adequately investigated the concerns surrounding Neuman's background. But as with any new administrator, the University should ensure that Neuman will follow the standards of conduct expected in academia.

04-02-99