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Editors-in-Chief: Zibby Pillote & Darya Watnick Business Manager: Tracy Marvin Advertising Manager: Mari Yamato News Editors: Rye Druzin & Megan Quint Opinion Editors: Cassie Bishop & Alec Kerry Features Editors: Beau Broughton & Maya McOmie Arts Editors: Drew Lenihan & Hayley Trivett Sports Editors: Fiona Corner & Michael DAngelo Style Source: Kathyrn Wlodarczyk Backdoor Editors: Marcia Belsky & Erin Ruprecht Illustration Editor: Samantha Sarvet Illustrators: Kelsey Gray Photography Editors: Larissa Board & Maggie Mcdermut Copy Editing Chief: Sarah Gottlieb Copy Editors: Grayson Arango, Ailee Feber & Amelia Mulford Staff Writers: Robin Aubry, Jake Bartman, Hilary Devaney, Alix Finnegan, Brenna Murphy-Estus, Daniela Jimenez, Elie Lauden, scott Pisapia, Lucy Roberts, Kevin Ryan, Gillian Sullivan-Bing, Caterina Zischke-Rincon Advisors: Peter Christenson & Jason Feiner
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SUPPORT FOR HILLYER FLOODS ASLC

Students rally at meeting, engage in dialogue with Dean and the Counsel of the college
BY DARYA WATNICK
Editor-in-Chief

The Pioneer Log News

MARCH 16, 2012

Last Thursdays Senate meeting was overflowing with students and alumni in support of Visiting Assistant Professor of History Reiko Hillyer. Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry Tuajuanda Jordan and Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel David Ellis attended part of the meeting as well to answer questions. The meeting started out with the reading of the letter of resignation for Senator Katerina Solomanjuk (15) and the swearing in of Senator Arena Morillo (15). The floor was then opened up for questions from students and senators to Dean Jordan and Ellis about Hillyer not being hired for the open tenure track position of Professor of American History. Ellis explained that this situation was an example of confidentiality that has been promised to everyone involved in the national search for filling this position. We will listen, and listen respectfully, but we cant really talk about it, Ellis said to the crowd that was spilling into the aisles of Howard 102.

Students continue push for greater involvement in hiring process

BY RYE DRUZIN
News Editor

Dean Jordan echoed Ellis statement about maintaining confidentiality due to the ongoing search. ...I have always tried to listen to students. But I must do my job. And I must not breach anything that has to do with confidentiality. And I know its frustrating to you, but all I can do is listen. Because if I say anything, it will be the wrong thing to say or do, Jordan said. Students and senators alike continued to express their disagreement with the decision to not hire Hillyer into the tenure track position. Senator Lincoln Boyd (15) said, She sounds like Wonder Woman to me. She sounds like a true person who deserves that job. I can see the impact she has made on the students before us. I feel strongly about herthis is a woman who truly deserves a position in that sense. There was discussion about Hillyers reception of the Teacher of the Year award in 2009. Dean Jordan explained that even though Hillyer won Teacher of the Year, many of the candidates that apply for this type of position at schools like Lewis & Clark have won Teacher of the Year awards at

their current institutions, because excellence in teaching is expected of them. Gareth Stacke (12) responded to Jordan by saying, Reiko Hillyer is our teacher of the year. Not only does that show that she is a good fit, but experientially she works well with students of this campus. It is recognizing seven years of absolute dedication to the LC community... They [the other applicants] were also fantastic candidates but Reiko Hillyer is the one students connect with. Shes our teacher of the year. The students also brought a petition which had been started at 11 a.m. by five of the supporters that had gained 371 signatures that they presented to Dean Jordan and Counsel Ellis, both of whom left after thirty minutes of discussion. After the hour devoted to discussion of Hillyer, other students brought up issues they felt were related to this such as retention rates, faculty and staff influx and diversity among students and faculty. Diversity will be submitted as a topic of discussion at a later meeting. Senate meetings are open to the public, Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Howard 102.

ASLC UPDATE

Government discusses diversity, Platt DSA

BY DARYA WATNICK
Editor-in-Chief

The Pioneer Log 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd. MSC 121 Portland, OR 97219 piolog@gmail.com www.piolog.com

The controversy over student engagement and input on decisions regarding faculty has intensified. Another professor, Assistant Professor of Political Science John Holzwarth, is being denied tenure by the Committee on Promotion and Tenure (CPT) despite glowing reviews from students. Holzwarth is one of the best professors Ive had. I am not a Poli Sci major, but his Ethics and Public Policy class is brilliant, said Emily Guasco (12). He is an intelligent lecturer and really makes himself available to his students. I am saddened he was not hired for tenureI believe he is an asset to the Lewis & Clark community. While Holzwarth being denied tenure does not mean that he is leaving or is fired, the lack of tenure does mean a loss of the job security that comes with it. This situation, while not the same as Visiting Assistant Professor of History Reiko Hillyer, who was denied a tenuretrack position, deals with the same issues. Students, many of whom give positive reports on both Holzwarth and Hillyer, feel that the voice of the student body has not been heard by those involved in the process. They also believe that these teachers embody the morals and principles of the LC community and are a necessary addition to the already high-achieving nature of their respective departments. if these proceedings went as they are meant to and these two professors were still found

Professor John Holzwarth talked with students at the Fireside Dialogues on Monday.

PHOTO BY MAGGIE MCDERMUT

lacking, then there is something wrong with the process, said Erica Terpening-Romeo (14). John Holzwarth is more dedicated to teaching excellence than any other professor Ive worked with, and Ive heard countless students, as well as tenured and non-tenured faculty members alike, speak of him with the same regard It seems to me that somewhere in the process, or up the chain of command, key values which are deeply important to students, and which the institution claims to value above all others, are being lost sight of. With Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry Tuajuanda Jordan citing confidentiality proceedings connected with the hiring proceedings, no official information has been released regarding the decisions. But students have not hesitated to act on what information they have heard, creating a new Facebook group, The Ballad of John and

Reiko, to consolidate their efforts and present a concentrated front to those behind the tenure decisions. Supporters of Hillyer showed up en masse to the ASLC meeting last week, which was attended by Dean Jordan and Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel David Ellis who were there to answer questions and concerns over Hillyer not being hired to the best of their ability. The meeting ended with few questions answered by the administrators and many students wanting more. Students are continuing their quest for dialogue with the school. Students who wish to get involved can join the Facebook groups Rise for Reiko (specifically for Reiko Hillyer), The Ballad of John and Reiko ( for the overall process). Students are also encouraged to get in contact with Dean Tuajuanda Jordan and others who are involved in the hiring process.

The first hour of the ASLC meeting last Thursday was lively due the visitors pouring in to support Professor Reiko Hillyer and discuss the issue of faculty tenure with Dean of the College Tuajuanda Jordan and Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel David Ellis. Senator Daniel Leavenworth (15) reported that some students in his constituency have come to him to discuss the issue of diversity at Lewis & Clark. The students told him that an increase in diversity on campus is not being pursued to the extent that they would like. Leavenworth also reported more complaints about noise and smoke coming from the Platt DSA. Xander Blair (13) said he has talked to students who are nervous and frustrated about finding houses off campus. Advisor Jason Feiner replied to Blair, explaining that the Law School maintains a website with rental properties. Other students mentioned wanting more information about admissions goals and what admissions looks for when choosing the new freshman class. The seniors wanted to submit diversity as a topic of further discussion. Also, in anticipation of graduation, senior representatives brought up the lack of alumni access to library databases. Students from the Student Athletic Advisory Commission reported that they have raised $3200 throughout the year for the Special Olympics. The Collins View Neighborhood Association had a large LC turnout at their last meeting. Director of Facilities Michel George will increase communication with TriMet regarding issues with bus lines. This was the first meeting with the Sustainability Initiatives liaison, Micah Leinbach (14), who coordinates communication between the Sustainability Council and ASLC. Feiner also reported that the soap in the bathrooms on campus is being switched to a biodegradable product and compostable paper products are being put in as well. ASLC meetings, which are open to the student body and Lewis & Clark community, take place Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Howard 102. All are encouraged to attend.