The rationale underlying the promotion-tenure process needs to be adequately analyzed since many institutions' policies appear undifferentiated on the principles of merit and worth. Sorting the decisions, devising appropriate and open criteria, and applying those criteria consistently are advocated. Guidelines are outlined. (MLW)

Focusing on research universities, this study examines historical patterns in faculty salaries, recent evidence on salaries, the tenuous connection between salaries and performance, and the role of salaries in effective academic-reward systems. Administrative implications for salary policies that improve productivity are also examined. (Author/MSE)

A study of methods of evaluating teacher effectiveness, including student report forms and institutional personnel policies, shows fundamental conceptual confusion about the definition of effectiveness. Concepts of effective teaching as good teaching, competence, and productivity are examined and further research suggested. (MSE)

Two recent books, "The Case for Tenure" (Matthew W. Finkin, ed.) and "Promotion and Tenure" (William G. Tierney, Estela Mara Bensimon) are important contributions to the dialog about college faculty tenure. Each contributes to but does not fill the professoriate's need for a defense of tenure that incorporates the tradition of principled support…

Over 40% of women assistant professors in a recent survey (n=124) identified publishing, teaching, committees, and "time required by children" as serious impediments to achieving tenure, many more than reported sexual harassment and sexism as serious obstacles. Policy changes that will accommodate women professors' time commitments to…

Economic, political pressures have focused state legislative interest on faculty productivity. In Maryland, a negotiated approach resulted in a mission-sensitive policy, including a reporting mechanism to measure instructional and noninstructional productivity. Legislative reporting requirements are being reduced as trust develops about reporting…

A survey of 1,383 faculty at a large university examined perceptions of the implications of childbirth and institutional leave policies on tenure and promotion. Although faculty expressed approval of institutions providing parental leave, women faculty were notably reluctant to take advantage of them. Policy implications are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The literature on mid-level administrators in higher education has identified a number of factors that may affect their attitudes and performance, either positively or negatively. To a large degree, individual perceptions concerning recognition, discrimination, external relations, and mobility explain morale. Institutions can address these issues…

Strategies for assuring adequate minority candidates for faculty positions include institutional commitment, early identification and recruitment, and pre- and post-doctoral financial aid programs. Institutions must hire more minority faculty and develop sound policies to retain them. Minority faculty can improve undergraduate education for all…

Examines the prospects for protecting academic freedom in American higher education, addressing three areas of potential conflict and tension: pressures to divorce the protection of academic freedom from formal tenure systems; increasing regulation of harassment and other forms of incivility in the collegiate community; and academic freedom in…

A study examined the faculty personnel system in major universities today and identified sources of change and continuity in the academic marketplace over a 30-year period. (Author/MSE)

Concerns about quality of undergraduate teaching have focused attention on motives underlying faculty performance at research universities. A case study of faculty participation in one instructional-reform coalition is presented. Results indicate three distinct motivational patterns, corresponding roughly to variations in individual's faculty…

Seventeen states require public colleges and universities to certify faculty oral English language proficiency. A national survey (n=240 institutions) indicates that without state mandates, institutions typically did not develop policies. Those that did focused on international teaching assistants. Policies narrowly addressed speaking proficiency,…

A study validated a rating scale developed to measure six aspects of the work environment as perceived by women faculty: dual standards and opportunities for men and women; sexist attitudes and comments; informal social networks; balancing work and personal obligations; institutional policies and practices to remediate inequities; and mentoring.…