It is also important to remember that universities are not corporations. It is a necessary evil that institutions must be concerned about the business aspects of running a university and must consider inflation and operation costs. They are not, however, large corporate entities churning out a mass-produced good. Professors should not be beholden entirely to the whims and financial worries of an institution. Universities and professors exist to educate and enlighten students to better society and prepare for the future.
Tenure shows professors and the public that their role in that process is still valued.
Tenure policies will continue to be a subject of debate and controversy as administrators work to manage the rising costs of running a university. In the process, however, those administrators and society should re-examine the value of knowledge and realize that supporting practical tenure measures helps ensure the high quality of education. You may not reproduce the contents of this paper in any shape or form without the express written consent of The Cavalier Daily .