Available tenures increased by 12

The University Board of Regents emphasized teaching ability as well as research success when the board announced its professorship promotions during its annual meeting this past summer.

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

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

At this year's meeting, Cantor brought a resolution to the table 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 studies.

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

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 teachings as well," said Regent Philip Power (D-Ann Arbor). "Both are necessary characteristics for promotion."

The backgrounds of the a few 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 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.

09-08-98