The academic work force has been transformed over the past several decades, less by design than out of expediency. In 1969, professors who were either tenured or tenure-track made up 78 percent of the faculty. Those working part time made up only 18.5 percent. By 2009, those proportions had almost flipped, with tenured and tenure-track making up…

In this article, the author examines the issue of student debt. Despite tales of gargantuan student debt burdens for some college graduates, studies show that most students borrow sensibly, pay it back, and are better off for having gone to college. But for a vocal minority of borrowers, problems with student-loan debt are very real. About 8…

Describes a one-week retreat in the mountains sponsored by the University of Georgia for doctoral students beginning or working to complete their dissertations. Students report satisfaction with the freedom from distractions and the support provided by other students. (DB)

Describes a summer program, Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE), that provides crucial experience to women who hope to go on to earn Ph.D.s in mathematics. (EV)

Overall college and university enrollments have increased this fall due to returning and transfer students despite a reduction in incoming freshman numbers. A number of schools have difficulty accommodating larger populations. Some have had success in recruiting minority students, but others are frustrated by smaller high school graduating…

The Modern Language Association's large Graduate Student Caucus is pressing the association to lead a campaign against use of part-time faculty. The Ph.D. candidates are fearful that after years of training, they will be unable to find tenure-track positions, and feel the association has placed too much emphasis on seeking jobs outside higher…

Although the first doctoral program in women's studies was established in 1969, it wasn't until the 1990s that mainstream institutions began creating such programs. Since then, a number of universities have developed both programs and separate departments. Some scholars worry that choosing such a nontraditional field will limit students' career…

As graduate enrollment in English falls, largely due to program reduction, many college and university English departments are recruiting freshman composition instructors from other fields. Although they may be skilled writers, many receive little or no formal training in how to teach writing. Issues concerning the unionization of teaching…

A University of Pennsylvania economics professor was denied an administrative post supervising graduate students because he dated a graduate student. Opinion on campus is divided, with many faculty and students supporting the professor. The institution's policy on student-faculty dating is unspecific. (MSE)

A national survey by the National Association of State Scholarship and Grant Programs found that state spending on grants and scholarships for needy undergraduates is expected to rise 13 percent. State budgets, money for graduate students, and new programs planned are discussed. (MLW)

The Education Department's 1988 budget plan would require students to put more of their income toward paying college costs, and it would eliminate some student-aid programs such as College Work Study. The department's top priority was the education of younger children and ensuring that people graduate from high school. (MLW)