Something is wrong with tenure, and one needs to make it right. Abolishing it is not feasible, but it doesn't mean that one shouldn't at least consider changing some of the ways that tenure works. In this article, the author proposes that a better way to change tenure is to offer an implied contract of about 30 years. A 30-year contract would…

The claim that faculty conduct research is one of the main justifications for the modern university. Supposedly, academe carries out important, cutting-edge inquiries in which society has an interest. In fact, states this author, research at American universities is becoming narrow and artificial, out of touch with social realities, and of…

California's budget crisis jeopardizes the progress made in strengthening the teaching workforce. The threat of impending teacher layoffs will weaken the teacher preparation pipeline and affect the state's ability to attract and retain thousands of teachers it can't afford to lose. If California is to remain committed to strengthening student…

Criticizes the current state of college faculty evaluation and recruiting. Identifies three main problems of today's bureaucratic system of evaluation. Discusses problems common in tenure deliberations. (HB)

Focuses on four issues: (1) recruitment of faculty members, (2) employing organizations' responsibilities, (3) supervisor's role, and (4) challenges for professional associations. (JOW)

Discusses the compelling motivations for a department to recruit faculty effectively and efficiently and how to integrate these motivations into the hiring process. Explores different perspectives of chairpersons and new hirees on retaining new faculty. Offers six steps to facilitate retention of new hires. (SR)

Discusses problems minority and female faculty face achieving tenure in terms of demands on their time, expectations of administrators, and topics they choose to research. (KEH)

Speech communication departments use a number of criteria when selecting a job candidate. In addition to good graduate training in the area advertised, the candidate should have a good record in research and publication or good prospects for such a record. Moving is inherent to healthy young academics and should be expected, but speech…

Discussion of the glass ceiling for women in legal education first examines categories of law school personnel, especially the fast-growing category of legal-writing teachers, and then considers trends in law school hiring. Concludes that law school trends mirror those in college and university hiring generally, suggesting the weakening and…

In order to attract strong faculty members, many of whom may not realize initially the distinctive strengths of small colleges, small schools need to work hard and plan well to recruit and hire qualified faculty in communication and theatre. A search and screen process which presents an accurate and attractive picture of the small college is an…

This book offers a range of proven support strategies designed to help new faculty members thrive. Suggestions range from campuswide programs for nurturing newcomers to projects that help them to help themselves. Outlined is a structured mentoring program to build collegiality through social support networks. Also presented are specific techniques…

The challenge to teacher education created by today's changing demographics involves excellence and equity. The present hostile climate at colleges and universities for faculty of color requires a creative readjustment of the tenure and promotion process. A discussion for preparing, mentoring, and retraining future teacher educators of color using…

A celebrated economist discusses the employment of college faculty in the modern university focusing on two primary issues: (1) tenure and promotion; and (2) recruitment, payment, and retention. Additional issues addressed include the role of faculty, academic authority, democracy in the classroom, and allocation of society's resources for higher…

Affirmative action issues in selecting and retaining minority faculty and college staff are discussed. Historical and political developments affecting job openings for minorities are briefly reviewed, along with demographic trends concerning the number of minorities of college-going age and their rate of college attendance. Myths about affirmative…

Views on outcomes of affirmative action policy for U.S. higher education, areas of conflict, and changes that might promote affirmative action are discussed. It is suggested that affirmative action in college hiring and admissions has resulted in a small proportion of the opportunities made available to black Americans over the past two decades.…