From: Mary Wood mewood@OREGON.UOREGON.EDU

Subject: motion US9900-8

To: gilkey@math.uoregon.edu Peter--on behalf of the University Committee on Child Care and Family Support, I've written a letter supporting motion US9900-8. I was hoping you could present this letter at the meeting of the university senate (I am unable to attend myself). I've included the text of the letter below and will also get you a hard copy tomorrow morning in your box. Please let me know if there is any problem with this plan. Thanks --Mary Wood, English Department

January 11, 2000 

Dear Members of the University Senate,

I am writing on behalf of the University Committee on Child Care and Family Support to ask that you pass Motion US9900-8, which recommends revising policy statement 3.130 (the policy on extension of the tenure probationary period due to pregnancy or childbirth). Motion US9900-8 acknowledges the substantial responsibilities faced by tenure-track faculty--both men and women--who have a new baby or child in the home, responsibilities that may lead to a temporary delay in scholarly production. Whereas the original policy limits the extension of the tenure probationary period to women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth, the revised policy would apply to any nontenured tenure-track faculty member with parental responsibilities for a new baby or child. The new policy would allow for an extension of the tenure probationary period whether the new family member was a first child or a later addition. In another important change, the revised policy would recognize that a faculty member who adopted a child--whether infant or older--might need added time on the tenure clock to accommodate the adjustments and new responsibilities that come with expanding one's family.

This policy revision is in line with the university's commitment to fostering a family-friendly work environment. Such an environment can help promote greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, and retention of tenure-track faculty. We urge the University Senate to support Motion US9900-8.

Sincerely,

Mary Wood, Associate Professor of English and Chair, University Committee on Child Care and Family Support