A considerable body of work now exists on the role that identity plays in understanding teachers and teaching. Developing and sustaining teacher identities in higher education can, however, be challenging given the subordinate positioning of teaching in some educational contexts. Despite the growth of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programmes…

Given the changing landscape in higher education, education practitioners are faced with increasing workloads, which in turn is causing an increase in stress-related factors that impede health and wellness, and thus productivity. In response, practitioners in modern higher education settings must adopt a commitment to self-care that focuses on the…

Over the years, careers have transformed to be flexible and changing rather than stable, life-long commitments to an organization. As such, making work meaningful, controlling the work environment, and taking the opportunity to get required training for the next job are as important as the financial advantages. Educators' careers cannot be…

A number of brief, focused self-help interventions designed to help faculty manage stress more effectively are described such as being assertive, setting priorities, and using quick relaxation techniques. Related causes of stress are cited. (MSE)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of various types of career-supportive relationships that make up academic women's webs of intellectual, social, personal, and political ties, including formal mentoring, networking, and peer-support programs. Several strategies rooted in each of these models are presented, based on a review of current…

An in-depth study of the problems and achievements of 100 new college teachers is reported and discussed, covering teacher training and experience; situational factors found to affect their teaching; the varying quality of performance; and recommendations for the teachers, departments hiring them, graduate students, and graduate departments. (MSE)

Results of a survey of attitudes of 100 faculty members at the University of Queensland concerning the institution's system of annual compulsory performance reviews, their benefits and disadvantages, and preferences about the structure and administration of the review system are discussed. (MSE)

Describes a study using the Job Satisfaction Inventory to survey 390 faculty from 14 Texas community colleges. Areas of greatest satisfaction included relationships with supervisors and colleagues and teaching itself. Least satisfaction occurred with professional development opportunities, time allocation, and student preparation/motivation. Notes…

A discussion of academic freedom and university autonomy in Africa first looks at the concept and social utility of those two attributes, and the operational conditions for their realization, then examines the general conditions under which African intellectuals work and the specific situation of academic freedom. Several directions for the future…

Applies three factors of expectancy theory (estimations of the likelihood of success, likelihood that a behavior will result in certain outcomes, and positive or negative value placed on each outcome) to faculty academic advising. Identifies educational environments and activities conducive to use of the theory to enhance faculty motivation for…

To address the sources of stress in academic life requires an understanding of the multiple worlds within which faculty work and which create the complex tapestry of their lives. The use of short-term and long-term strategies can help faculty gain more control over the elements in their lives. (MLW)

State University of New York (SUNY) faculty, professionals, and librarians who have disabilities were surveyed to determine whether a fund should be established to facilitate the hiring of, and provision of accommodations for, people with disabilities in the SUNY system. The researchers interviewed 25 employees with disabilities at 7…

Stress is an inevitable characteristic of academic life, but colleges and universities can introduce stress management activities at the organizational level to avert excessive tension. Preventive actions are described, including flexible work schedules and social supports. (Author/MSE)

Clout, or the authority invoked in certain situations, is discussed as it pertains to public relations officers. Five ways to cultivate the president are presented and some effective power plays are described. (MLW)

A college professor examines her feelings about working in a university, her attempts to create a more supportive and congenial relationship with fellow teachers, and the frustrations of an environment in which colleagues are out of daily communication because of workload and the need and ability to work at home. (MSE)