Political, social, and legislative forces outside higher education orchestrated and directed congressional action to uncap the mandatory retirement age, paying little attention to the special nature of higher education. Lobbyists for higher education did not greatly affect the ultimate resolution. (Author/MSE)

The development of academic tenure in American higher education is reviewed, based on a study by the College and University Personnel Association. The role of academic tenure as a general concept in the development of the professoriate and in the shaping of major portions of educational policy and practice is explored. (MLW)

A profile of the American college professor is presented, based on social science studies. The historical background is traced, with attention to the early development of the professorial role during the latter half of the eighteenth century, the progressive professionalization of the faculty during the nineteenth century, and the consolidation of…