The nature of mentoring and the role of faculty in mentoring college students are discussed, and some guiding principles in the mentoring relationship are outlined. These address the quality of communication between mentor and student, the mentor's role as sounding board and knowledgeable reference, understanding one's own limitations, helping…

Sound ethical decisions depend on clear problem definition, careful review of alternatives, consideration of consequences, and thoughtful application of relevant principles of responsibility. Often they also require a willingness to receive corrective insight and to check judgments with moral intuitions. Higher education has a special…

Faculty advising students pursuing programs in the arts and humanities should bring to this endeavor suggestions that both challenge students' creative spirit and reconcile this attitude with the realities of earning a living. Guiding principles should include honesty, ensuring that students understand their art interests completely, respect for…

Faculty advisors must help social sciences students understand their many options, from immediate postbaccalaureate fieldwork to graduate-level professoriate preparation. Social sciences advisors should use their interest in human behavior to design research identifying crucial ingredients of a successful advisor-advisee relationship and to match…

The role of honors programs as models and resources for all college education is described, and a comprehensive set of 22 recommendations for fostering excellence in every higher education unit is provided. (Author)

In contrast with most academic departments, interdisciplinary programs lack automatic identity, clear space, or curricular territory, and motivation is closely linked to program success. This includes motivation of students in class and outside of class, of contributing faculty, of administrators, and of societal peer groups, such as professional…

The nature of collaborative learning is examined, including some discussion of the role of the instructor. A collaborative learning situation in a women's studies course is described as an example of integration of the approach into content area instruction. (MSE)

This article identifies junior faculty needs and links these to roles that department chairpersons can assume, including that of a resource link; a mentor; a facilitator of mentor relationships; an institutional authority or representative; an evaluator; a faculty developer; and a model of balance. Specific suggestions for assisting with tangible…

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)

Faculty need more general institutional information and training if they are to perform effectively as academic advisors. Three key elements in their preparation for this function are: a conceptual understanding of student development and of the advising process; institutional and curricular information; and relational skills and knowledge to…

A discussion of academic advising provides general advice for faculty advisors and looks at distinctive elements in academic advising for technical subjects, particularly those encountered with transfer students who have technical credits to transfer. Use of computer-based information systems in this context is also examined briefly. (Author/MSE)

Offers a checklist for implementing sustainable learning communities in colleges and universities. Addresses issues including determining focus and design, use of faculty resources, coordination with current institutional initiatives, administrative support needed, resources needed, promotion and marketing, institutionalization of the concept, and…

Suggestions are given for institutional action to reduce unproductive tension in the professoriate, focusing on stresses related to reward and recognition, time constraints, departmental influence, professional identity, and student interaction. (MSE)

This discussion, intended for faculty new to academic advising, offers insights into common perceptions and problems encountered in advising female students pursuing majors in science and engineering. Faculty advisors can both help these students achieve their full potential and learn from them. (MSE)

Major functions of teaching assistants (TAs) and innovative methods are proposed. TAs help students learn through interaction, coach students in higher thinking skills, and provide a communication channel to integrate the course. A course planning guide based on performance objectives and classroom activities to stimulate student participation are…