BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO Prairie Public) – The North Dakota Board of Higher Education is now on-record opposing a “change in tenure” bill that would allow Dickinson State University and Bismarck State College to make changes in policy, making it easier to get rid of tenured faculty.
Instead, the Board is suggesting a study of the issue, that would involve the Board and Legislators. Board member Nick Hacker suggested the study. He told the Board he believes in North Dakota’s “Right to Work” law.
“We have tenure over here in higher ed that treats employees, in particular state employees, differently than how other state employees are treated. And I understand a lot of the reasons, I’m not arguing against tenure – that’s not the point. The point is is that I do think there should be more engagement about this than purely just the Board,” Hacker said.
Dr. Lisa Montplaisir is the faculty advisor to the Board. She said there already is a process laid out for faculty review – and if things aren’t going well the faculty member would receive a notice and an improvement plan would be in place for the next year.
“Our concern is that: there seems to be a breakdown in the process: if we’re jumping to the conclusion that faculty are not meeting their expectations – but that’s never been in a review process or maybe there’s a breakdown at those administrative levels and so that is the crux of where those conversations need to happen,” she said.
The Board vote to oppose the bill was unanimous – 8 to zero. The bill passed the North Dakota House on Monday and has moved to the Senate for consideration.
