What's in a name? Or, in this case, title?
From what the Weatherford College Board of Trustees learned at a recent meeting, a lot.Dr. Lisa Welch, chairperson of the Faculty Rank and Title Committee, showed trustees a proposal for a new faculty title system. The system, Welch said, "would reflect the level of expertise our faculty represent as they interact with peers through professional organizations and the community at large."Though it may not seem a big deal to some, there is a difference in the education community whether you are considered an instructor or a professor. Dr. Richard Bowers, vice president of instruction and student services, said this issue came up about 20 years ago and that it was voted on then to call everyone instructor so as not to divide the faculty.Welch said the title change would help "increase faculty morale and recognize their expertise and commitment to the college" without a large cost. She said because there is no extra compensation attached to the title, the only cost the college would incur would be to change business cards, door placards and the like.Under the proposal, faculty titles would reflect their level of education, years of service and professional and community involvement. Points would be assigned to each category, and faculty would progress through the titles of instructor to assistant professor, associate professor and professor.No action was taken by the board, pending further consideration.In his President's Report, Eaton said the College's enrollment for the upcoming spring semester looks to be an increase of about 2 percent as compared to spring 2012. He said the figure for contact hours -the number the state uses to fund community college - is also in the positive with a few days remaining before the official count for the spring semester is due.In other business, the board:1. Heard the financial statements, including the Investment Report, ending November 2012;2. Approved a lease-purchase resolution with All American Investment Group, authorizing Eaton and Andra Cantrell, vice president of financial affairs, to release funds as needed to Johnson Controls to implement the energy and utilities savings program approved last month and3. Heard a list of upcoming College events and activities.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
