Dons shoot down Vice Chancellor’s plans for pay by performance
oxford dons
Vice-Chancellor John Hood’s plans for reform of the University lie in disarray after academics struck a significant blow against Wellington Square’s academic strategy. Members of Congregation, the ancient parliament of academics holding the sovereign power in the University, debated for three hours before voting 351 to 153 to reject plans to enforce an appraisal system on tutors. The proposals were specified in January’s Green Paper on Academic Strategy.
Professor Alan Ware, one of the proposition speakers in Tuesday’s meeting, told The Oxford Student: “I’m very pleased with the result, but I’m not surprised.” Professor Ware was keen to emphasise that those who supported the resolution were not necessarily opposed to reform. “There are perhaps more agreements between the two parties than one might think, but there was widespread feeling that this was a proposal that has been too quickly put together.
?? He pointed out that Dr Hood was only made Vice- Chancellor in October last year and by January the first of two major reforming Green Papers had been drawn up. An amendment to change the resolution from an outright rejection of the appraisals scheme to an appeal for a consultation process was defeated by 358 votes to 183.
Those forwarding the resolution claimed compulsory appraisals by ‘line-managers’ would place Oxford academics at the whim of business interests, with limited academic knowledge. Concerns were raised that an appraisal system would put lucrative research at a higher priority than teaching students. Speaking for the Resolution, Professor Donald Fraser of Worcester College described the University’s proposed reforms as, “insulting and intimidating.
?? He told Congregation: “It will create an atmosphere of fear that is the opponent of academic freedom and creativity.” Dr Daniel Lunn caused the biggest stir of the afternoon when he equated the plight of Oxford academics to a Christmas turkey. “Once the turkeys realise what’s on the Christmas menu, they’re not going to vote for it,” he declared.
Professor Averil Cameron, Warden of Keble College and member of the University Council, seconded the failed Council amendment to the resolution and was particularly damning to those who opposed the University’s reforms. During her speech she claimed there was a “whiff of conspiracy” and declared, “military action is not what academics should be engaging in.” She was met with hisses and ironic jeers from the floor.
Dr Ralph Walker, who proposed the Council amendment and spoke against the resolution in its original form, expressed his disappointment to The Oxford Student. “I am concerned at the level of distrust of Council,” he said, “which was greater than I can readily account for.” Dr Walker believes the University will have to make concessions.
“We must avoid those things that have given rise to so much concern,” he said, “whatever scheme we come up with must be one that Congregation as a whole is happy with.” Opponents to the reforms will no doubt be encouraged by Tuesday’s outcome. Dr Gillian Evans, a Cambridge academic who has been heavily involved with the campaign in Oxford, declared: “It was a terrific sight.
John Hood might well decide to get on the next plane, but if he stays he will realise he has to work with the dons and not order them around. All the University reforms will have to go back to the drawing board.” One senior don said: “Many feel Dr Hood has surrounded himself with people who give him misleading opinions on what academics feel strongly about.”
19th May 2005