Faculty Raise Concerns at Provost Review Town Hall

By Connect Mason Director Whitney Rhodes

Faculty and staff examined Provost Peter Stearns' job performance during a town hall meeting on April 8. Recognition of faculty input, the future of the Ras Al Kaimah campus and potential environmental coursework were among the issues raised.

“There needs to be understanding and recognition of faculty input at this institution,” said James Bennett, a professor in the economics department.

Frank Philpot, an assistant professor in the school of management, agreed, citing the lack of faculty weigh-in and involvement in shaping the RAK campus.

“What I’ve seen [at RAK] is what I call modest, at best,” said Philpot. He continued to say that the RAK endeavor was met by a lack of knowledge and preparation for the culture surrounding the United Arab Emirates campus.

“It’s a whole new world out there,” responded Kathy Trump, associate dean of University Life. “Our reputation is better over there than it is here.”

David Kuebrich, an associate professor in the English department, wondered about the provost’s dedication to improving the lack of courses dedicated to climate change and sustainability.

The event was held in Johnson Center room G and moderated by Review Committee members Susan Tolchin, Bob Smith, Lynn Gerber and Claudio Cioffi-Revilla. The committee members posed four questions selected by an absent President Merten concerning Stearns’ past achievements and potential for future success at Mason. Participants were allowed to give open feedback throughout the meeting.

The next town hall meeting will take place on April 10 from 12-1:30 p.m. in Bull Run Hall room 134 at Mason's Prince William Campus.

Lede adapted from 'justsomedude' - commented below. Many thanks.