Based on interviews with 31 academics and 5 nonacademic partners, this article explores the experiences of academics in commuting couples, or those who live apart for work-related reasons. Using identity theory as a guide, this article explores how participants navigate their competing identities of academic and partner (and, for some, parent) to…

Given the declining number of tenure-track positions, the academic job market has become fiercely competitive, often forcing faculty to make difficult choices, including living apart from their partners and children. These individuals become commuting couples, neatly segmenting their professional and personal lives, and thus creating a…

This paper presents a study that examined the "encounter" stage (adaptation to the new role) of a faculty member who is promoted to Department Chair. The quantitative study consisted of a national survey of 808 Department Chairs from 101 universities categorized as Research I and II and Doctorate granting I and II by the Carnegie Council.…

Differences in academic career participation by men and women and their marital and child bearing rates are assessed along with current research findings on dual-career faculty couples. Case study research on 10 dual-career couples is reviewed, with emphasis on familial relationships resulting from commitment to two careers. Observations regarding…