The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1907-05-17
THE RULE A FAIR ONE.

We notice that there is evidence
Of irritation among some of the pro-
fessors Mt the University Of Utah by
reason of a new rule adopted by the
board of regents, which requires the
professors to put their full time at the
disposal of the University authorities.
Such a rule as this, if enforced harshly,
might incitc and entail considerable
hardship, and be Objectionable; but il
is easy to cxaggerate when one g feel.
! ings are caught on the raw. or where
the temper is found on edge. 1t is well,
! however, TO he calm about matters of
this kind and to look at the situation
from all standpoints
The true intent of the rule is evident
ly that expressed by President Kings
bury, where he says that there is moth
ing especially harsh or unusual in it.
And doubtless his position that he is
willing TO give liberal construction
TO the rule and allow the professors TO
use such of their outside time as will
not dctract from the usefulness of their
labors at the institution, will be can.
didly enforced. The saving clause in
the new contract, which forbids the do
ing of outside work by the professors,
is that ''such work eau be done and
remuneration taken for it by permis
sion OF the board OF regents given on
written application President Kings
bury holds that professor may proper
ly be allowed to do some outside work
so long as it does not interfere with
his work and duties in the Institution.
This is clearly a fair Interpretation of
the rule, and also of the true relation
of the professor TO the University. The
rule is to be enforced in its spirit,
rather than literally, to the letter.
We think that those professors who
so FAR have refused TO sign the contract,
are cxaggerating the difficulties of the
situation. 1t lis always we'll to be con-
siderate and cautious about a matter
Of this kind, and not refuse to sign the
contract offered; but to sign and then
make objection, provided anything
harsh, arbitrary or unjust is found to
follow thcrcfrom. In view of the en-
gagement of the professors to teach
ia the University, it is reasonable for
tho regents TO exact their best ser
vice and such measure of their time as
is considered TO be essential for the due
performance of their work This is not
matter that the professors should I'M
dertakc TO determine altogether for
themselves and without regard TO the
tn he fni t,-. W OF
they arc meeting this just requirement
or not is a matter in which the Univer-
sity Is also entitled to a voice. 1t
would be very easy TO develop frlc-
ton by professor taking such time
for outside work as he saw fit, without
consulting the regents or the officers of
the institution, and so exhibit slack
ness or want Of energy in his Univer-
sity work, that might be the cause of
Just and fair complaint, 1T is the pro-
vince of the employer TO determine on
that point, at least TO some degree.
That is precisely the idea upon which
this contract is drawn, 9s we under,
stand it. 1t is to assert the right Of
the regents to have voice in the de-
termination of that matter, and not
leave it entirely with the professors.
1t does not necessarily follow that
there is charge that any professor
has abused the liberty he himself has
taken with regard to this outside in.
struction and remuneration; but, as we
see if, this rule adopted by the regents
is preventive, as well as precautionary,
rather than in the nature of a rcbuke;
and the due consultation with the re-
gents by any professor who has out
side work to do and wishes to do 1T,
is easily had
1t will be time enough TO make OBJ
lection and trouble about this rule
when some professor is limited unduly
in his efforts to do outside work and
add to his remuneration thereby. But
until there is some case of unfair res
friction or partiality in this matter, it
would seem unwjse and premature Tor
professors to be making objection now
and refusing to sign the contract.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CLUB