2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor
Kathryn Schmidt's tenure ineligibility
Erin Burns
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Forum
- Page 1 of 1
I was deeply disappointed to read that, due to a technicality, Kathryn Schmidt is ineligible for tenure. Faculty like Kathryn made my four years at Guilford meaningful. She constantly pushes her students to engage the world beyond the West Friendly bubble.
The Guilfordian article regarding her tenure stated, "The Guilford administration has emphasized that deadlines must be met in order to ensure fair treatment amongst faculty." Is it fair to deny Guilford students of a great teacher? Does the college value upholding a policy over teachers who exemplify the school's core values of integrity and excellence?
My current job requires that I frequently talk to high school students, who often ask me where I went to college. I always speak highly of Guilford and, if I think they would make good fighting Quakers, encourage them to apply. However, if Guilford continues to sacrifice great professors, like Kathryn and Shelini Harris, for the sake of bureaucratic tradition, I can no longer promote the school.
The tenure review board needs to take into account the circumstances of each professor's situation, placing a heavy emphasis on student input. I am ashamed that Guilford increasingly values processes over people. I would encourage all alumni who feel similarly to contact Adrienne Israel.
If Guilford expects its alumni to uphold the school's reputation, the administration needs to re-evaluate its tenure process - and its priorities.
Erin Burns
Class of 2007 National Organizer
Student Global AIDS Campaign
The Guilfordian article regarding her tenure stated, "The Guilford administration has emphasized that deadlines must be met in order to ensure fair treatment amongst faculty." Is it fair to deny Guilford students of a great teacher? Does the college value upholding a policy over teachers who exemplify the school's core values of integrity and excellence?
My current job requires that I frequently talk to high school students, who often ask me where I went to college. I always speak highly of Guilford and, if I think they would make good fighting Quakers, encourage them to apply. However, if Guilford continues to sacrifice great professors, like Kathryn and Shelini Harris, for the sake of bureaucratic tradition, I can no longer promote the school.
The tenure review board needs to take into account the circumstances of each professor's situation, placing a heavy emphasis on student input. I am ashamed that Guilford increasingly values processes over people. I would encourage all alumni who feel similarly to contact Adrienne Israel.
If Guilford expects its alumni to uphold the school's reputation, the administration needs to re-evaluate its tenure process - and its priorities.
Erin Burns
Class of 2007 National Organizer
Student Global AIDS Campaign
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