In brief, they believe the quality of teaching is good. It certainly does to me, the President, the Provost, the Vice Presidents, and the Deans. Research has been aggressively promoted, which may cause some people to think that is what we are all about. In some departments, there is a perception that any significant focus on teaching and any increase in the status of teaching will significantly diminish scholarly output. Good teaching need not come at the expense of good scholarship, nor vice versa.
Balance is the key word and the operative concept.
The comments, suggestions, and support of the Burlington Northern Foundation and Ritchie Award winners are noted with appreciation. Their continued input will be invaluable as we begin to implement a number of the recommendations presented in this paper. The recipients of two of Oregon State University's most prestigious awards for outstanding teaching feel that, overall, Oregon State University faculty members are good teachers. A few in every college are exceptional teachers. It is reasonable to expect that faculty can be good teachers and good scholars, and to excel in one area or the other.