University Considers Plan to Hire Instructor as Formal Debate Coach

The University may break past policy by offering an instructor a paid position as director of debate, it was learned yesterday.

If, as expected, the proposal subsequently receives the approval of a Faculty Committee, and the Corporation, it will mark the first time an instructor has received more pay and reduced teaching duties to work with an undergraduate organization.

The proposal is the result of a series of discussions between the Dean's Office and an interested group of former Harvard debaters.

Ivy Study

Led by Frederick F. Greenman '13 of New York, the alumni committee prompted the University to compile statistics on the debate programs in the Ivy League schools. The Dean's office found that Harvard gave less support to debate activities than other schools.

The new position is designed to provide the Debate Council with a coordinator who will help prepare for intercollegiate contests.

Several members of the alumni committee stated that the tentative plan was to reduce the instructor's teaching time by a fourth, and pay him an extra $500 a year for working with the Debate Council.

There are, however, a number of steps necessary before a final arrangement is reached. After agreements are made with the instructor and the Council, the action will need the approval of the Faculty Committee on Student Activities, as well as the Corporation.