USM Central Administration slime: A story

Date: Apr 7, 2004

USM Central Administration slime: A story

Date: Apr 7, 2004

Just curious: what exactly is involved in being an emeritus professor? What are the procedures for this position (honor?) at other universities?

Date: Apr 7, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Katie
"Just curious: what exactly is involved in being an emeritus professor? What are the procedures for this position (honor?) at other universities?"

Here's how it works at Vanderbilt (from the Faculty Manual):

"A tenured faculty member who has served the University with distinction over a period of years and who remains upon active status until retirement may, upon the recommendation of the appropriate Dean, the Provost or Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, and the Chancellor, be awarded the title of emeritus or emerita by action of the Board of Trust. The title normally follows the regular title, e.g., Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus. In rare cases, emeritus or emerita status may be granted for a faculty member or administrative officer who does not hold a tenured faculty rank."

Of course, Vanderbilt is set up differently than USM (plus it's a private university, not state-funded). Don't know what USM's stated process is for awarding these titles.

Date: Apr 7, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm
" Here's how it works at Vanderbilt (from the Faculty Manual): "A tenured faculty member who has served the University with distinction over a period of years and who remains upon active status until retirement may, upon the recommendation of the appropriate Dean, the Provost or Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, and the Chancellor, be awarded the title of emeritus or emerita by action of the Board of Trust. The title normally follows the regular title, e.g., Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus. In rare cases, emeritus or emerita status may be granted for a faculty member or administrative officer who does not hold a tenured faculty rank." Of course, Vanderbilt is set up differently than USM (plus it's a private university, not state-funded). Don't know what USM's stated process is for awarding these titles."

Thanks...

Next question, and pardon the ignorance, but what exactly does an emeritus professor do? What does it mean to become one?

Date: Apr 7, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Katie
""

My understanding is that it's an honorary title bestowed on professors when they retire. It's not automatic, though, so it's seen as a "plus" when you get it. Also, some emeriti continue to teach a class or two.

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quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm
"My understanding is that it's an honorary title bestowed on professors when they retire. It's not automatic, though, so it's seen as a "plus" when you get it. Also, some emeriti continue to teach a class or two."

Yes, and many sit on masters/doctoral committees, guide research, etc....they continue to contribute to their departments.

Date: Apr 7, 2004

Emeritus status is one small way to reward devoted service to the university. It costs nothing, and the individual gets nothing except an entry in the university bulletin that says "John Doe, Professor Emeritus"

On the other hand, many retired faculty members hold the university dear to their heart, and more so if the university honors them with emeritus status. Since many faculty members remember the university in their will, its a good way for the university to strengthen the ties between retired faculty and the university. However, denying faculty emeritus status insures hard feelings on the part of the retiree, and virtually insures that USM will be left out of the person's will. Are you listening, Cynthia Moore??

Date: Apr 8, 2004

At Clemson (a state university) Emeritus status is a gimme for any tenured professor who retires with enough years of service (I can't remember whether it's 10 or 15). A retired faculty member who hasn't been there long enough to get automatic Emeritus status can get it with a favorable vote from the Faculty Senate and approval by the Provost.

Emeritus status does not cost the university a whole lot. You get library privileges and such. You may be asked to teach a course occasionally, but that's up to your department; same goes for maintaining an office on campus (Emeriti or Emeritae will be last in line for offices when space is scarce).

If a retired faculty member was really asked to contribute money to the university in return for Emeritus status... well, I guess it proves that some administrative actions still have the power to amaze me. Such a demand is a sign of major corruption (as well as profoundly stupid fund-raising strategy).