English Dept. reschedules vote on tenure

English Professor Gregg Camfield and his supporters are still waiting. The English Department tenured faculty met yesterday to discuss reopening Camfield's tenure case. But after an hour of deliberation, they decided to put off a decision on Camfield's case until next Monday, when they will hold another meeting. "People need to have time to develop their thinking further," English Department Chairperson Wendy Steiner explained. She said the faculty need to examine new material and information that has been coming in to the English Department. "We'll certainly come to a decision soon," Steiner added. Camfield was denied tenure last spring despite strong support from faculty and students. After students protested through petitions and letters, the English Department decided to consider reopening the case. By doing so, the faculty would be sending the case back to the School of Arts and Sciences Personnel Committee, the organization responsible for originally denying Camfield's tenure. Yesterday's tenured faculty meeting was closed and confidential, so Steiner said she could not relate what had been discussed. But Steiner did say that the main issue revolves around whether enough new information exists to give the SAS Personnel Committee reason to grant tenure. "It just is a question as to whether it seems like a good idea to put him up again," she said. The faculty also discussed the student feedback they had received. "I know many students are worried about whether their views are being taken into consideration," Steiner said. "They should know that the faculty is well aware of their position." The English Undergraduate Advisory Board and the Undergraduate Assembly have released statements to the tenured faculty advocating the resubmission of Camfield's case. The UA has argued that the administration's denial of Camfield's tenure sheds light on a more general problem. "Denying him tenure brings into question how serious the administration is about their claim that they are committed to excellent teaching," the UA statement said. "It also raises some serious doubt as to how the tenure process currently considers the opinions of the students." But Steiner said the English Department faculty will take student opinion into account in its decision. "We know that Gregg is a wonderful teacher and that does count for us," she said. The English Department voted in favor of recommending that Camfield receive tenure last semester. About 20 faculty members make up the tenured faculty committee.