The literature on mid-career faculty is reviewed to attempt to better understand the forces that influence mid-life faculty careers and explore the implications of this research for institutional responses to the faculty. Literature is categorized by the perspectives of the institution and that of the faculty member. (Author/MLW)

The academic environment, trends in higher education, and issues in adult development create an ideal environment for alcohol misuse. A typology for the professors at risk, the impact of alcohol misuse upon their performance, and means of dealing with the problem are proposed. (Author/MLW)

Discusses career development programs designed and offered for adult students and alumni of the University of Baltimore. Reviews the theory of adult development, adaptation to transition, and career development interventions that were helpful in designing the programs. (Availability: 1190 South Bascom Avenue, Suite 211, San Jose, CA 95128) (JOW)

Explores some of the possible distinctive traits of midlife suicides, which include: loss of spouse, years of heavy drinking, reaching the age of high depression risk, and occupational problems. Midlife suicides tend to be highest among white males, although female suicide rates peak in midlife. The paper concludes with a review of assessment and…

This model framework consists of client-centered strategies that can help the mid-career changer explore options. The framework presented in this document integrates theoretical and practical applications and can be adapted for use by a variety of campuses to meet the needs of the campus' adult population through individual or group counseling.…

Presents case study of first author's experience as career counseling client of second author. Attempts to illustrate for students and practitioners some typical counseling practices and the theoretical foundations from which they spring, as well as how client reacted to them. (Author)

Compared 106 middle-aged student (outwardly oriented) and nonstudent (home oriented) women on attitudes toward age, perceived happiness and satisfaction, perceived physical health, number and severity of depressing symptoms, self-esteem, and autonomy. The student group reported better health, fewer and less severe depressive symptoms, and higher…

This narrative tells the story of a nontraditional student who completed her education to become a college teacher when returning to school was quite unusual. Twenty years after high school graduation, the teacher received a bachelors degree and began a 14-year career teaching mathematics and physical sciences in a public high school. In that…

Meeting the educational and personal development needs of adults in transition presents the greatest challenge to higher education. This article discusses a study to determine how adults in transition believe their educational programs to be helpful. (JOW)

The increased college attendance of mature women students has played a major role in the changing demographics of college enrollment. This study examined the experience of reentry women during the initial period of adjustment from the time just prior to college entrance to the end of their first or second academic year. A pre- and post-test…

Recounts experiences of a British Columbia Institute of Technology librarian on a six-month job exchange with a New South Wales Institute of Technology (Australia) counterpart, and offers planning hints for librarians interested in preparing for a mid-career move. (EJS)

This monograph summarizes four demographic influences for retaining faculty vitality. Since these demographic trends provide only a partial analysis, seven conclusions are presented to support the contention that faculty development is not likely to occur in most institutions. The argument over whether faculty are, or are not, like other…

A study examined the life transitions of adult educators and their perceptions toward a summer university program. The Summer Chautauqua Program was conducted to model program evaluation techniques for students of adult and continuing education, to provide data for program planners relative to the maintenance and revision of the summer program,…

Mid-career change programs have the potential to open faculty positions during these times of decline. Most current programs are intended to shift faculty to a different specialty or discipline, but data indicate that academics would be receptive to opportunities to move out of academe. Specific options are identified. (Author/LB)

Interviews with 33 midlife college professors identified as seriously disillusioned revealed that the turning points behind their career derailments fit a pattern of events, usually in early career. Successful renewal programs for such faculty members involve them as mentors for new faculty or partners in contracts for change with departmental…