Little empirical research has focused specifically on the process of identifying comprehensive training needs for department chairs and school directors in public universities. A case study is presented to demonstrate the systematic design and implementation of a program to comprehensively assess the training needs of department chairs and school…

Results of a survey are presented of United Kingdom universities concerning the type and status of teaching, research, and management oriented training available to faculty, and respondents' suggestions for enhancing training opportunities. (MSE)

Argues that the ways in which college and university faculty experience their work often inhibit them from applying validated teaching practices. Suggests, however, that leadership practices and working cultures at the departmental level that foster collective and collaborative teaching approaches can go far toward improving teaching and learning,…

Seven dimensions for characterizing a curriculum in higher education are suggested. They include: prior knowledge; institutional response to prior knowledge; primary teaching mode; rates of learning; styles of learning; content openness; and assessment. This characterization is applied specifically to chemistry departments. (LBH)

A faculty development program designed to examine and reduce stress is outlined. The program resulted in several changes, including: annual personal development consultations between all staff and department heads, professional development for department heads in mediating change, counseling support groups, and improved organizational…

Results of a 1984 national survey of chief liberal arts academic officers (department heads, deans, and chief academic officers) are used to examine aspects of administrator careers and behavior, including grant administration, job satisfactions and frustrations, and career success. (MSE)

In semi-structured interviews, 11 British university lecturers were prompted to discuss their motivations for starting, continuing, and achieving closure in collaborative staff development. Motivations included learning how to teach and involve students in learning, and drawing support from faculty development experts. Findings suggest that…

Based on one Canadian community college's experience with flexible admissions, it is concluded that access to higher education for nontraditional students can be increased if policies are mediated at the department level; these students do not threaten academic standards; and radical change in teaching methods and curriculum is not necessary. (MSE)