President Anthony Marx began the discussion, which he called the most important one the faculty could have since it centers on the type of education that the College aims to give students. "We can be, in my opinion we must be, a pivot for social change," Marx said.
He went on to describe the College as the link between the educational system below that feeds students to the College and the society to which the College sends its graduates. Marx expressed dismay at the fact that students at the College have reported spending less time studying than students at peer institutions and stressed the importance of service, both on the part of students and the College. All of this led to a discussion of the type of students that the College tries to admit and its goals in doing so. Marx said that he believes there is not necessarily a trade-off between a diverse student body and an academically capable one, but finished by asking what professors are willing to sacrifice for students from a wider variety of backgrounds.
Professor of English Barry O'Connell explained how he draws the line. "The deepest recurring pleasure I have here at Amherst is that I can do my best work and most of the students are [at a level of competence] and the number that are not is small enough that I can work with them," he said. He added a point, which he described as contrary to the first, about the students who are not at the intellectual level he would like to see. "What held them back ... was essentially their absence of cultural capital ... They don't feel at home at all in most parts of campus," said O'Connell.
Professor of History and American Studies Gordon Levin agreed, saying he wants a "critical mass of students there who are willing and able to talk with me as best I can talk with them."
Professor of History and Women's and Gender Studies Margaret Hunt addressed another problem; students who come to the College excited about classes become disinterested after attempting to take certain barrier classes, introductory classes in which they must demonstrate subject competency before taking higher level classes. "They have more needs than some of us have the time or inclination to provide," she said. "I think we really do fail too many students that we let in," she added, referring to the lack of barrier classes.
Associate Dean of Students Susan Snively, director of the writing center, added that from their first year to their senior year, it is very easy for students to hide from courses that require writing. "Amherst College doesn't offer enough on writing as writing, not just as assignments," she said. She asked faculty interested in learning more about the problem to volunteer at the writing center some evening.
Professor of French and European Studies Ron Rosbottom tried to turn attention from the students who come to the College less well-prepared to the ones who come without a desire to learn. "What we don't talk about is the large number of kids here who come from privileged backgrounds who expect our attention and efforts without giving anything back to us or to the classroom," he said. Rosbottom emphasized that the College should encourage its students to be intellectuals.
A number of professors stressed the importance of maintaining the College's traditionally high standards, arguing that students appreciate the academic challenge and would be demoralized by anything less. Professor of Economics Geoffrey Woglom asserted that today's students are very different and not as capable as students 25 years ago.
The issue of time-professors' and students'-was discussed at length. Faculty proposed possible ways to encourage students to use their time better and on more academic pursuits. Professors also talked about the limits on their own time. Professor of History Fredric Cheyette raised the issue that professors, especially junior professors, have even less time due to increased emphasis on publication in tenure considerations. Cheyette added that a dangerous solution would be to create another tier of faculty specifically for the purpose of teaching introductory-level courses.
During his remarks, Marx announced his "intention to establish a major presidential fund for interdisciplinary initiatives on campus." This fund could cover visitors for any period of time, ranging from a single speech to a year, team-taught courses or any other proposal involving an issue of importance to more than a single department or field. Marx encouraged members of the faculty to think about proposals over the holiday break.
Marx also addressed his role as chair of the faculty meeting and his commitment to fostering open discussion. "It is not my interest or intention to contain the debate [at faculty meetings] and I'm not sure I could if I wanted to, but I don't want to," he said.
Professor of Geology Peter Crowley announced that the Pratt Museum of Natural History will close permanently at the end of January. He asked interested faculty members to attend a meeting next week regarding the fate of the geology collection, which will eventually be transferred to a new geology building which is currently un-built and has yet to be named.
Marx closed the meeting by inviting the faculty to a holiday party which will be held at his house next week.