At Stanford University, The early retirement plan is an option for older faculty who, while continuing for the most part to serve their institutions well, nonetheless recognize a difficulty in competing with younger faculty who are attuned to today's approaches. (Author/PG)

Nine recommendations are offered for making the Teachers' Insurance Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) more attractive and competitive retirement investment vehicles for college faculty. They include broadening of account choice, fund transfer and management options, and counseling services. (MSE)

Faculty members of America's universities and colleges, it is suggested, are finding the real world of academic life increasingly out of tune with the careers they prepared for. Seven faculty members are profiled whose careers illustrate difficulties academics may face at several stages of their lives. (MLW)

A university needs to put to best use the experience, wisdom, and capacities for reflective and integrative thinking that can be found among those older faculty that have been previously forced to retire. Many older academics can do a lot to fill gaps in interdisciplinary and problem-oriented research. (MLW)

The Colorado-based Academy of Independent Scholars provides a network and forum for intellectual exchange among retired faculty. The international organization assists members unaffiliated with institutions in getting grants and establishing contact between young people and senior scholars. (MSE)

Writers and artists near or in retirement need some device for keeping the creative forces alive. A project proposed by William Plater at the University of Illinois calls for a series of contemporary, or living, history courses by emeriti professors whose own contributions may have shaped their fields. (MLW)

A special program at Temple University sponsored by the Association of Retired Professionals (ARP) offers courses for retirees both to attend and to teach. Its success and stimulation are emphasized. (LBH)

The dangers to higher education also represent important opportunities for growth and creativity. State level coordinating and governing boards need to examine their leadership responsibilities, the role of new technologies in higher education, and the appropriate response to faculty retirement patterns in the near future. (MSE)

A description of the status of college faculty in China looks at their number, composition, academic qualifications, tendency toward inbreeding, workload, salaries, retirement system, employment stability, lifestyle, and social standing. (MSE)