This paper argues that infusion of technology into higher education is the key to its future, particularly that of metropolitan universities, and is a metaphor for broader issues of educational change. Ways to involve faculty in understanding those changes, and to capitalize on information age technology to transform learning and thus the role of…

This article argues for the civic value of the humanities scholar. Scholars can contribute to the community through their state humanities councils. Many institutions of higher education may be indifferent to how scholars can participate in civic life. A listing of possible scholar roles in humanities council programs is included. (JB)

A local study of faculty attrition in a four-campus university system examined two factors not considered in national studies: discipline and campus location (urban or rural). Lack of forecasted increases in local demand for faculty puts into question whether special action to increase faculty supply is needed. (MSE)

Factors influencing individuals with firm job offers to join the faculty at two research universities, urban and rural, are examined, focusing on the relative importance of tangible, intangible, and non-work-related benefits in the decision-making process. Comparisons are drawn to previous faculty recruitment studies and a complementary retention…

Describes how "Implementing Urban Missions" mini-grants proved successful in encouraging personnel at Ohio Dominican College in Columbus to forge learning partnerships with community agencies and residents; the grants also served to identify future leaders in the ongoing implementation of the college's urban mission and leveraged support…

The work of college faculty is typically assessed in isolation, not within the broader context of the collective task of the department, college, or university. It is time to reverse the telescope to view individuals as part of the departmental or collegial unit and to assess the extent to which their work contributes to collective needs and…

This article discusses how university faculty can cooperate with public broadcasting agencies (radio and television) to provide public media exposure to arts performances and activities. It describes specific successful programs at Ball State University (Indiana). (JB)

Faculty evaluation and reward definitions should include an expanded definition of scholarly teaching and service. Community college faculty, who focus on teaching, should participate in the public discussion of faculty roles to shape its outcome, to strengthen ties with four-year institutions, and to clarify their own role. (JB)

The gap between the daily life of the urban college student and urban faculty member has widened considerably; the two groups tend to come from different cultures. The situation potentially compromises teaching effectiveness. Activities to promote better faculty understanding of students and develop curricula building on student strengths are…

The Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois, Chicago is a high-visibility urban-policy research center that is sometimes drawn into controversial issues. University leadership must defend academic freedom vigorously, but that freedom cannot be used indiscriminately for faculty pronouncements; faculty and administrators must ensure…

The feminist phase theory (Tetreault, 1985) was used to examine the cultural patterns embedded in a department of a large, urban university, to classify how the faculty in the department perceived women, and to examine how our own behavior as two newly hired associate and assistant professors contributed or did not contribute to these patterns of…

To assess how an urban university can take advantage of its setting to design a master's program in corporate communication, a 1987 study of the master's program in corporate communication at Duquesne University of Pittsburgh was conducted. Data were obtained through a survey of 590 local communication professionals, of whom 270 responded (a…

In a study of the effectiveness of a faculty/student mentoring program at a large urban university, 339 undergraduate students assigned to mentors were matched with nonmentored students based on gender, ethnicity, grade point average (GPA), and entering enrollment status. Results showed a higher GPA, more units completed per semester, and lower…

Strategies for building the connection between an urban university and the surrounding community through a service learning program are discussed, drawing on the experience of the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. Issues addressed include consideration of program form and function, faculty involvement, and…

Several national projects supported by professional associations are redefining faculty roles and focusing the energies of faculty on teaching, on community service, and on their institutions' missions. Resulting faculty reward systems should recognize institutional mission, departmental priorities, the strength of individuals, and the uniqueness…