Term query: Rector, prorector

[John Dunn]

I think this correspondence has clearly demonstrated the main reason for preferring the terms Rector and Pro-/Vice-Rector: the various English equivalents - (Vice-)Chancellor, Principal, President, Provost etc. - are all country-, if not institution-specific and therefore have no agreed meaning.  There are also issues concerning functions and methods of appointment.  Not that Rector is without problems: letters sent from abroad to the Rector of Glasgow University are apt to go astray, since here, as in the other ancient Scottish universities, the Rector is a lay figure elected by the students for a period of three years to represent their interests and to act as Convener of the University Court (i.e. the governing body).

As an afterhought, not everyone may be aware that when Armenian Radio started broadcasting English lessons, they received a question from a listener who asked: 'What is the collective term for the Heads of British universities?'  The answer was: 'A Lack of Principals'.

John Dunn.

-----Original Message-----
From: Edward M Dumanis <dumanis at BUFFALO.EDU>
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 13:56:08 -0500
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Term query: Rector, prorector

Maybe it is different in Alaska, but here in New York state, it would
correspond to President and Provost (especially, if this is "Pervyj
prorektor").

Sincerely,

Edward Dumanis <dumanis at buffalo.edu>


John Dunn
SMLC (Slavonic Studies)
University of Glasgow
Hetheringon Building
Bute Gardens
Glasgow G12 8RS
U.K.

Tel.: +44 (0)141 330 5591
Fax: +44 (0)141 330 2297
e-mail: J.Dunn at slavonic.arts.gla.ac.uk

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