This report issued by the American Institute of Physics presents data on various aspects of the physics academic workforce. For the school year 1997-98, the institute measured the number of physics faculty, number of women faculty, turnover rates, retirement rates, new hires, frozen positions, and faculty recruitment efforts. Data suggest that the…

The involuntary release of about 100 tenured faculty at Michigan State University in 1981 was avoided through implementation of a plan of financial incentives for early faculty retirement. The plan is explained from the viewpoint of its author, with colleague comments included. (MSE)

Facing a future of static or declining funding available for faculty salaries, higher education must evolve strategies to enable its institutions to avoid stagnation of their faculty. Guidelines for health-science school administrators in formulating policies to maintain faculty vitality are proposed. (Author/MLW)

Seventy-four U.S. male academic social scientists provided career stage data that were analyzed and compared. The active publishers had a less varied career but continued their research beyond retirement. The moderately active and inactive publishers began careers with teaching and administration and reported sharper separation at retirement.…

Problems faced by a TIAA-CREF annuitant retiring in the late 1970s are examined in light of a continuing high rate of inflation. Options available to the annuitant are discussed and two strategies to provide significant inflation protection are suggested. (SF)

Discusses the New Faculty Orientation (NFO) program developed at St. Louis Community College, Missouri. Reports that about 35% of the college's 430 full-time faculty retired between 1999 and 2002, and the trend is expected to continue. Describes the NFO as a yearlong program that includes an intensive week of activities and the completion of a…

Discusses a projected critical under supply of Ph.D. level professors. Describes and ranks eight categories of people who may be considered as colleges attempt to fill vacant positions. Recommends vigorous selection and training of new Ph.D.s and full-time employment of competent researchers and teachers. (SG)

The Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association's (TIAA) College Retirement and Equity Fund is criticized for its low returns and its chief executive officer's recent salary raise. It is said to be in need of additional regulation and policyholder involvement. A TIAA vice president responds that the analysis given is inaccurate and misleading.…

Trends in three major areas relating to higher education are charted: College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) performance since 1990; the employment outlook until 2005 for major occupational groups; and the relationship of college faculty pay to the cost of living since 1987-88. (MSE)

An interview with Catharine Stimpson, dean at New York University, focuses on an administrator's perspective on tenure. Suggests that while tenure promotes stability and independence, it can also prevent change. Other issues touched upon include faculty governance, academic freedom, mandatory retirement, and the use of part-time contingent…

This report focuses on the group benefits available to Illinois public higher education employees. The study provides a perspective on the range of benefits and the differences in the administration of institutional benefits. Findings reveal the availability of retirement annuities that increase with each 10 years of service; optional retirement…

A survey of retired teachers who have been members of the American Association of University Professors for over 50 years resulted in a high response rate and lengthy and enthusiastic replies to questions about academic freedom, instructional quality, and educational change during their careers. A significant finding was a general satisfaction…

A national survey of 267 retired social work faculty investigated their general characteristics, preretirement and postretirement experiences, current social and health status, and perspectives on changes in social work education and practice. Health, income, and experiences were generally good. Critical differences were found by gender, terminal…

Discusses the wave of retiring faculty--and the new recruits who will replace them--that is due to hit community colleges. Suggests that new teachers familiarize themselves with their "political environment," such as who wields the most influence within the department and who seems accessible for help and advice. (NB)

This volume contains 32 articles and sample documents treating legal issues in higher education employment focusing on major issues arising in a non-unionized setting. The first of six sections contains seven articles on the employment relationship in general that touch on current legal trends in employee selection procedures, employment…