UI Faculty Seeking Changes In Promotions Panel Provost Says He’ll Still Consult Pair That Senate Wants Removed

The University of Idaho Faculty Council has moved to eliminate Vice President for Research Jean’ne Shreeve from her position of influence over faculty promotions.

Shreeve’s position and that of associate provost would be written off the university’s Promotion Review Committee if amendments approved by the faculty senate are formally adopted next month.

In a 12-4 vote, the Faculty Senate recommended removing the vice president for research and the associate provost - a position currently held by Dene Thomas - even though both positions are non-voting.

But some faculty members against the move believe Shreeve and Thomas enable the Promotion Review Committee to maintain a consistency and a minimum level of excellence.

“I’m sure at least in some respects the changes are designed to make it easier to be tenured and easier to be promoted or in the minds of some to make the process more fair,” Engineering Dean Richard Jacobsen said. “I really believe there’s another side to this - those who believe there’s a need to maintain high standards.”

He said Shreeve, with expertise in research and graduate education, and Thomas, with expertise in undergraduate instruction, are well suited to help the promotion committee.

Acting Provost George Simmons, formerly associate provost, also was dismayed by the council’s proposal.

“They’ve been there to provide analysis, input and guidance to the committee,” he said. “I think their input is vital. There are two very bright minds there …”

As provost, Simmons will continue to have jurisdiction over promotion recommendations from the Promotion Review Committee. He remains the panel’s non-voting chairman.

No matter what the faculty council decides, Simmons vowed to consult with Shreeve and Thomas outside the Promotion Review Committee process.