94-04-11 Tenure systems allows Medical faculty, special interest

RELEASE ON RECEIPT

                                               Contact: Tom Doran
     CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 8 -- A new promotion and tenure
system that allows medical faculty members to focus more strongly
on a special interest in teaching, patient care or research was
approved today by the University of Virginia Board of Visitors.
     Under the old system, last changed in 1976, all faculty
members working toward career tenured positions were classified
as "tenure-track" and evaluated under the same guidelines.
     These, like promotion and tenure guidelines used at most
institutions, made no provision for a faculty member's desire to
emphasize one area such as teaching or patient care. Time and
effort were expected to be directed to each area almost equally.
      Under the new three-track system someone who excels at
teaching, and wishes to focus on the classroom with less emphasis
on the other elements, can do so and be evaluated favorably. The
new structure has three distinct classifications for evaluation.
     "This restructuring of our tenure system will free our
faculty to contribute more of their talents, time and energy to
what Thomas Jefferson would have referred to as their 'naturally
endowed giftedness'", said Dr. Don E. Detmer, vice president and
provost for health sciences.
     Dr. Robert M. Carey, dean of the School of Medicine, said
the new approach will promote a more professionally nurturing
academic environment by requiring a detailed job description,
intensive monitoring by department chairs and an annual review of
progress and plans for each faculty member.
     "We believe that the results will be exciting across the
board -- better teaching, better patient care and better
research," he said. "This is a sound approach to scholarship that
meets the needs of the 1990s and beyond.
     "Another plus will be the enhancement of our efforts to
achieve greater diversity. Faculty members who are stretched thin
trying to balance commitment to family with the rigors of the
academic life will be able to attain a better focus," Carey
explained. "It still won't be easy, but at least it won't be too
much of an 'all or none' proposition."
     Dean Carey acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Robert J.
Roberts, who led the re-evaluation process, and the many School
of Medicine faculty members who were involved in the development
of the new system.
     The three-track system was drafted by a task force composed
of 14 faculty members and reviewed to ensure compliance with the
principles of the American Association of University Professors.
It was approved by a vote of the entire medical faculty.
                              # # #

Charlotte A. Buttner, Program Support Technician, Health Sciences
 Center News Office,
McKim Hall Room 3116, #429, Charlottesville, Va.  22908, 804-924-
5679, cab2j@virginia.edu
CompuServe 72203,1033


[Submitted by:  (cab2j@dmt03.mcc.virginia.edu)
               11 Apr 94 15:58:12 EDT]