The USFA Executive recently communicated its concerns about the proposed “restructuring” in the College of Medicine. The timing and process associated with these announcements raises troubling questions.

The Concept Paper, which contemplates the elimination of the Clinician-Teacher category of faculty appointment (of which there are more than 100), was announced just as the President and the Dean of Medicine are about to complete their terms. Using accreditation to justify urgency, this matter is now proceeding to University Council with unprecedented haste.

At a special meeting on May 9, 2012, the College of Medicine Faculty Council voted overwhelmingly against the Concept Paper. Subsequently, the Chair of the College of Medicine Faculty Council wrote a very strongly worded recommendation to University Council members to reject the motion to approve the Concept Paper.

We urge you to attend University Council on May 17 at 2:30 p.m. in room 241 Arts (Neatby-Timlin Theatre). Even if you are not a member of Council and cannot vote on the proposal, you have a right to attend the meeting and to voice your opinions. The USFA is not in the business of setting the academic agenda, so it is contingent upon individual faculty members to shape that agenda.

In our view the use of shock and surprise to short circuit consultation is not appropriate and undermines the entire process of collegial decision-making, but only you can deliver your message to Council.