Discusses why, given the tensions surrounding who has ultimate authority over academic programs, governing boards should approach the faculty with a focus on strategic leadership. (EV)

Explores how boards of trustees and presidents have long struggled to find the best ways to consult faculty and to work with faculty governance bodies. Discusses some of the current complications with faculty senates, including their complex history and splits within the faculty, and relates some of their successes. (EV)

This article addresses five misconceptions relating to academic tenure, arguing against the notions that tenure is no longer necessary for the defense of academic freedom; is simply job security and exchangeable for other benefits; diminishes academic quality; is no longer feasible because of the elimination of mandatory retirement; and is a…

Argues that the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges' statement on governance calls for more centralized authority, rejecting both the principles and the practice of shared governance and diminishing the role of faculty. Suggests that the association revise its statement to include a better understanding of how academe…

If trustees tried to abolish tenure, the resulting conflict would overwhelm intended gains. A more productive approach is to examine how trustees can work with administrators and faculty to make tenure policies and practices work for the institution. The governing board's role differs from that of faculty and administration. (Author/MSE)

A roundtable discussion of specialists in copyright law examines issues of intellectual ownership and copyright for online courseware created by college/university faculty. These include faculty as free agents, the need for normative standards concerning conflicts of interest, academic freedom, the possibility that institutions will import…

This article discusses the faculty appointment system at Evergreen State College (Washington), which does not have tenure, academic departments, or academic ranks, in light of an ideal system that might have a core of long-term faculty supplemented by short-term faculty. It considers the need to balance institutional flexibility with faculty…

The role of the college athletic coach has changed substantially in recent decades, with the ideal of the coach as an educator obsolescent. Institutions must work with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and coaches' associations for reform, addressing three major issues: need for a better hiring process, provision of meaningful…

The University of Minnesota experience in reforming the faculty tenure policy is examined, noting financial and legal issues, the strong faculty response to initial proposals, and substantial improvement in policy that resulted from the process. Suggestions are made for other institutions approaching such decisions: don't begin without solid…

In higher education's new environment, colleges and universities must re-examine their tenure codes and practices and consider various forms of post-tenure review. Elimination of tenure does not necessarily end academic freedom. However, any new employment policies must emerge through a process of genuine discussion and negotiation among faculty…