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AAUP — 2011-12 Report on the Economic Status of the Profession

April 12, 2012 Comments off

2011-12 Report on the Economic Status of the ProfessionSource: American Association of University Professors
From press release:

Officially, the Great Recession ended almost three years ago. Unfortunately for many, the improvements in the economics of higher education are barely noticeable. This academic year is the third in a historic low period for full-time faculty salaries, which failed to meet the rate of inflation again this year. Some who work in part-time faculty positions have justifiably criticized the lack of information about their situation, even as they have become the majority within the faculty. Our students are facing escalating tuition bills and student loan debt, and wondering what’s driving those increases. And the “Occupy” movement has drawn a new level of attention to the issue of income inequality, an issue the AAUP’s annual economic status report has taken up for many years in the context of colleges and universities.

A Very Slow Recovery: The Annual Report on the Economic Status of the Profession, 2011–12, released today, is now available. The AAUP’s annual report has been an authoritative source of data on faculty salaries and compensation for decades.

In addition to listing average salary by faculty rank and gender at 1,250 colleges and universities, the report provides an important perspective on the economic challenges facing higher education.

Categories: American Association of University Professors, lists and rankings, postsecondary, professors, salaries and wages

Understanding Doctoral Education in the U.S.

March 11, 2011 Comments off

Understanding Doctoral Education in the U.S. (PDF)
Source: American Association of University Professors

After World War II, the United States decided to support much of its basic research through universities. That decision invigorated research with the energy, abilities, and fresh perspectives of students, while creating a fertile training ground for future researchers. Doctoral education in the U.S.—the education and training of Ph.D.s—became a combination of study and apprenticeship.

As a result, doctoral students work with faculty mentors in teaching and research, in addition to their coursework. This enables them to acquire an understanding of teaching and research techniques, and by the end of their doctoral programs, they are required to demonstrate that they can do independent research that advances the frontiers of knowledge.

Categories: American Association of University Professors, education, postsecondary, professors

Politically Controversial Academic Personnel Decisions

March 7, 2011 Comments off

Politically Controversial Academic Personnel Decisions
Source: American Association of University Professors

The AAUP today issued for comment a new report that discusses the history and character of politically controversial academic personnel decisions, identifies weaknesses in the principles and decision-making procedures that currently safeguard academic freedom, and recommends enhanced protections in the conduct of these cases. The fundamental principle is that all academic personnel decisions, including new appointments and renewal of appointments, should rest on factors that demonstrably pertain to the effective performance of the academic’s professional responsibilities. Political restrictions on academic expression must not be countenanced – even when many faculty members support or acquiesce in them.
…
The report’s recommendations include:

  • It is imperative in a politically controversial proceeding to tailor questions narrowly to permissible issues of academic fitness, and to avoid any inquiry into political affiliations and beliefs.
  • Collegiality is not an appropriate independent criterion for evaluation. The academic imperative is to protect free expression, not collegiality.
  • Institutions should not discipline a faculty member for extramural speech unless that speech implicates professional fitness.
  • Complaints regarding alleged classroom statements forwarded by outside agencies or individuals should be generally ruled out of consideration in initiating or conducting personnel reviews.
  • When complaints regarding alleged classroom speech arise from or are promoted by student political groups, the complaints should be respected only to the extent merited by the complaints and only when they are based on evidence from students who were actually enrolled in the course or courses in which the alleged inappropriate conduct occurred and were present to observe that conduct.
  • In the event that an academic hearing committee is convened, it should be elected or appointed by the faculty.
  • In dismissal cases, it is essential that the hearing committee provide a written reasoned opinion, consistent with the evidence and with sound academic principles.
  • The governing board would be well advised to follow the advice of the faculty committee, particularly in politically controversial cases in which academic freedom is at stake.
  • If the board does reach a determination contrary to the recommendations of a committee, or increases the severity of sanctions, the board must provide written, detailed, and compelling reasons.

+ Executive Summary
+ Full Report (PDF)

Categories: American Association of University Professors, education, postsecondary, professors, social and cultural issues
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