University Business - September 2010 - (Page 6)

EDITOR’S NOTE B Talking Tenure ack when I was a reporter for my college newspaper, we ran several stories concerning a professor who had threatened legal action against the school for being denied tenure. he was a controversial figure on campus, and he claimed that the administration’s fear of his outspokenness lay behind his refusal. I was reminded of this after reading a few stories about the declining rate of tenured professors, and the debate over whether the tenure model is still a viable one today. It seems clear that what was once considered the “traditional” tenure model no longer works. In fact, calling it traditional isn’t teaching and learning, who is eager to explore new technologies even accurate because the number of faculty members who and trends, in favor of someone who “did their time” 20 years ago have tenure or are on track for it has been declining dramati- and doesn’t have the interest or desire to stay current? But perhaps the biggest argument against tenure is that it is cally in the last several decades. as has been reported elsewhere, the number of full-time college professors with tenure has fallen simply no longer a practical business model. a significant portion from 57 percent in 1975 to 31 percent in 2007. when the De- of endowments and budgets is set aside to pay tenured faculty for however long they choose to remain. partment of education releases its latest report on the subject later this fall, the would it not be better to redirect this What was once considered number is expected to be far lower. money to provide the resources that nonthe “traditional” tenure tenured teachers and adjuncts need to do tenure supporters often say that havtheir jobs? ing it lets them teach and conduct remodel no longer works. search as they wish. they also say it gives so why not end tenure altogether? them the freedom to speak out against It’s a remnant of another time. the arguthe administration without fear of reprisal. while that “benefit” ment has been made that tenure might be replaced with renewdoes exist, is it truly a reason to seek tenure? should we assume able contracts. I believe this is a great idea. they would offer that someone on track for tenure is just biting his or her tongue the same general benefits and securities of tenure, but would be until the golden moment when that “immunity” is granted? revisited after so many years to ensure that the faculty member is maybe. But at least in the case of my professor the claim still serving the institution’s mission. this is not such a bad thing rings hollow. the man was already quite vocal, and the fact that in the “new normal” economy. why should a school not be able he hadn’t previously been censured seemed to indicate that the to protect its investment? administration respected his freedom of speech, even if they where do you stand? Does your institution have tenured facdidn’t agree with what he had to say. ulty? If so, what percentage are either tenured or on track? If it then there is the counter argument that tenured teachers were up to you, would you end the practice or continue it? Let “stop trying.” though the number may be small, there is anec- me know. dotal evidence that some percentage of tenured faculty simply ride out their careers until retirement, under the blanket of job security. such an attitude doesn’t serve the institution, the students, or the profession. why deny students a professor with a love of Write to Tim Goral at tgoral@universitybusiness.com. Read about our latest Models of Efficiency honorees. Page 54 6 | September 2010 Sponsored by universitybusiness.com http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - September 2010

University Business - September 2010
Contents
Editor's Note
College Index
Company Index
Advisory Board
Behind the News
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
Sense of Place
Internet Technology
Approaching Admissions Today
Three to Degree
Have College Brands Delivered on Their Promise?
Honoring Efficiency
EduComm 2010 Roundup
View from the Summit
Independent Outlook
What's New
End Note

University Business - September 2010

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