Many want Camfield to get tenure

A School of Arts and Sciences committee denied tenure to popular English Professor Gregg Camfield last week, outraging both students and faculty members. And while Camfield's future at the University may seem short, many devoted students are not going to let Camfield leave without a fight. The English Undergraduate Advisory Board has taken quick action to gather support for the man Ellona Wilner, College junior and Student Committee on Undergraduate Education secretary, described as "probably the best teacher in the English department." Wilner said this incident has really mobilized the English undergraduates. "He has such a strong reputation," she said. College senior Michelle Falkoff said the English UAB had an impromptu meeting, which was announced over their Internet listserver, to begin planning actions to protest the decision. In order for students to voice their support of Camfield, the English UAB has organized a letter writing campaign. UAB members will contact students who have taken classes with Camfield and encourage them to write letters, she said. She added that they are also considering getting in touch with alumni. According to College senior Liz Fekete, these letters will be directed at SAS Dean Rosemary Stevens, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla and Provost Stanley Chodorow. The UAB has set up a box in 125 Bennett Hall for students to submit these letters, she said. And Fekete said that so far, many students have responded to the UAB's call for action. "Everyone I have heard from is completely incensed and I know of a lot of people who are starting to write letters and want to get involved on Camfield's behalf," she said. Falkoff said that in terms of the sheer volume of student responses, she thinks the campaign will be successful. "But I don't know what its effect will be on the administration," she added. Wilner said the English UAB is going to try to meet with Stevens and possibly Chodorow to discuss this situation. "We want the administration to understand that we see this as a symbol of their lack of interest in good teaching skills and their lack of respect for students," Falkoff said. And although the UAB is organizing this effort to fight the SAS's rejection of Camfield's tenure dossier, Falkoff said the group also wants to protest the tenure system itself and "a negative reaction against good teaching." Fekete said she wants to make the dean aware that students think Camfield is indispensible to the University. "Obviously we want to change Steven's mind," she said. "But because it may be difficult to get her to reconsider in Camfield's case, then we want her to know that students take seriously what was said about taking education seriously and that we expect actions with words." Fekete added that the group is also talking about organizing some sort of demonstration, maybe in conjunction with the Geology Department because of the recent denial of tenure to one of its most popular professors -- George Boyajian. Wilner added that they are thinking of making a banner for the major fair on Wednesday and possibly painting on the wall by the Walnut Street bridge. "We don't want to be belligerent," she said. "We want to try to be reasonable but we do feel it is important to make a strong statement." They also have written a petition, which Fekete said is available in 120 and 125 Bennett Hall for students to sign. There will also be a copy at the major fair.