Philip Palade, president of the UAMS chapter of the American Association of University Professors, has distributed to faculty results of an anonymous survey about a proposal before the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees to alter the system’s tenure policy.
That change has prompted criticism from all over the system and, though it has undergone some revisions since it was first introduced, apparently still doesn’t sit well at UAMS, at least with the 294 who responded to the survey. Particularly objectionable has been a “collegiality” provision that many see as a tool to quell free expression of opinions.
The comments from UAMS faculty are often scathing.
The policy is expected to be discussed at the UA Board meeting March 28.
For those deeply involved in the issue, here’s a draft of a proposal from two UA-Little Rock law professors, Robert Steinbuch and Joshua Silverstein, to alter policy in a manner more acceptable to faculty.