EDITORIAL: Welcoming the next provost

Incoming Provost Robert Barchi should provide an increased focus on academics for the University. Most importantly, we hope that a permanent, active, engaged provost will be able to shift the focus of attention to academics -- presiding over a system that pays attention to education in addition to buildings and retail. We wish incoming Provost Robert Barchi luck in the position, and are confident that the skills he brings to the table will help make the University even better. Barchi seems open to many views and ideas, as well as being eager to develop a consultation and decision-making process that incorporates students and faculty to a greater extent. His stated goal of bridging gaps -- between schools, disciplines and education levels -- is a big part of what the University needs. We hope that Barchi's initial excitement will be transformed into a vision that will guide the University. By working with faculty and students between now and the beginning of his term in February, Barchi has an opportunity to determine this list of priorities. At the top should be the continued strengthening of the School of Arts and Sciences. Under SAS Dean Samuel Preston, the school has made noticeable progress. With the additional participation of Barchi -- and the focus and money the provost's office can offer -- we look forward to even greater academic strides. Another area of student concern that the provost should address is the tenure process. More attention must be paid to professors' teaching abilities, as evidenced in popular Political Science Professor Daniel Deudney being denied tenure last year. The provost should also take a role in revamping the University's general requirement system. Faculty and students need to consider whether the current system makes sense -- or whether the strict definition of a liberal arts education hinders intellectual growth in certain areas. Barchi should also actively participate in planning for the University's $300 million overhaul of dorms and dining halls -- a perfect example of how facilities issues can still involve the chief academic officer. Outgoing Interim Provost Michael Wachter also certainly deserves praise for his work over the past year. In spite of the limited academic stagnation expected when there is no permanent provost, Wachter succeeded on numerous fronts. In particular, his work on the college house system and the upcoming massive dorm and dining renovations should be saluted. Now, as Wachter passes the torch to Barchi, it is our hope that these programs continue to get stronger while others are born.