From malika_boukhelifa@med.unc.edu Thu Apr 13 21:02:15 2006
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 01:01:40 GMT
From: malika_boukhelifa@med.unc.edu
To: Andrew J Perrin <andrew_perrin@unc.edu>
Subject: Re: Request for Information from Candidates for Faculty Office

Dear Andrew,
 
Here my answers to your questions.
 
Sincerely,
 
Malika Boukhelifa
 
 
 


1.) To what extent to you believe faculty interests differ from those
of administrators?

I believe that the university administrators know that their first
responsibility is to create and maintain an environment in which
faculty can give their best and in which students can receive a high
level of education.  Faculties and administrators share the same
interest but do not view it the same way. Administrators manage the
academic affairs as a business enterprise; faculty members, on the
other hand, strive to build a place of excellence in education and
research. I strongly believe that both management of the organization
by the administrators and the academic commitment of the faculty
could work hand in hand to build the best institution.  To achieve
this common goal, communication and team work are two key ingredients
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2.) How should we maintain academic integrity in the face of
increasing financial pressures?

 

I believe that academic integrity is independent of financial
pressure.  Integrity is crucial  and enters into the definition of
Academia. We should all keep in mind that as academics we are
responsible for accumulating, developing, and transmitting knowledge
to future generations.  We also need to educate our students in this
matter.  But I believe that financial pressure may restrain our
progress, and for that reason we all need to do everything possible
to get more financial support.


3.) What are your views on increasing inequalities within the faculty
based on, for example, tenure-track vs. fixed term appointments and
differing salary levels?

Inequalities within the faculty should be discussed.  I think this is
a very difficult question to answer: it may have to be addressed on a
case by case basis and may depend on the academic field or
department.  As far as tenure track vs. fixed term appointments, I
think that if the contributions of both are comparable, then they
should have comparable salary levels.


4.) How would you respond on behalf of the faculty if you found out
that administrators had circumvented serious faculty consultation to
pursue major outside funding for a controversial new curriculum?

 

I just cannot imagine something like this happening at UNC; it sounds
like ~Sbureaucratic control~T to me. I strongly believe that
administrators must keep in mind faculty interests and be open to
dialogue. 


5.) Would you prefer to see a faculty governance system that is
focused on prominent University issues (e.g., academic freedom and
educational policy) or one that is more focused on faculty's specific
needs (e.g., benefits and salary)? Or, alternatively, how would you
seek to balance the two?

 

I would say both. I will summarize it this way: as faculty,
maintaining academic freedom and improving educational policy are our
goals.  On the other hand, benefits, salaries and a good work
environment will improve the faculty~Rs quality of life and
productivity, and will attract more talented faculty to the
University.