Five case studies from the mid-1980s explore changes junior faculty experience as they interact with other faculty in departments and institutions. Findings suggest the interaction between the newcomer's view of social interdependence and that of the department governs those changes. Relationships between gender, socialization, and acculturation…

A multiple case study design was used to gather search committee members' perceptions of the decision-making process characterizing three academic deanship searches in one university. Results suggest that searches have both structured and anarchic aspects and that neither the structured nor the anarchic decision making, by itself, contributes to…

Examination of college faculty salaries across disciplines suggests that the traditional academic wage scale is increasingly stressed by academic labor market forces. This trend has implications for faculty morale and commitment, turnover, faculty encouragement of students to pursue academic careers, and the relationship of the reward system to…

A study identified eight cognitive roles played by college presidents' administrative teams and concluded that the resulting complexity, although difficult to manage, may improve executive-level leadership. Teams with multiple cognitive roles typically include a cognitively complex president, norms favoring cognitive diversity, and varied…

A phenomenological study investigated 22 women doctoral recipients' perceptions of power and sexual issues in their relationships with male advisors. Variations in adviser style were also examined. How cross-gender advisement teams in the study dealt with these issues discriminated effective from ineffective mentoring relationships. (Author/MSE)

Virginia's policy for mandated student outcomes assessment in higher education is a model that has been adopted for other states. Clear communication between state and campus officials is crucial for a genuine partnership, and both parties need to be responsive to social needs while maintaining the integrity of the "academic core" of the academy.…

Compa-ratio, a technique used in diverse ways in the corporate sector, was used to analyze gender bias in faculty salaries at one university. Results, compared with those derived from two multiple regression analyses of the same data, suggest that the technique is adaptable for higher education and easily understood by administrators and faculty.…

There are numerous major differences between the learning environments of colleges and universities and of the world of work. Graduates' short- and long-term productivity could be enhanced if the transition from one situation to the other were smoother and, if they were better prepared to be competent, self-directed learners. (Author)

The challenges to academic decision makers resulting from the growing practice of faculty collaboration on publications are discussed. A 25-year publication history of authorship placement (first-named, second-named of 2, or latter-named of several) by 150 university chemists is analyzed to derive a typology for evaluation of faculty performance,…

Four case studies show that a college president's image is constructed largely from actions and behaviors indicating to the faculty that presidents are, or are not, taking an appropriate role. The study explored ways in which faculty's interpretation of a president's actions affects faculty behaviors and perceptions of institutional functioning.…

In designing a core curriculum, educators should use the cross-cultural methodology of the social sciences to examine the range of values implicit in a core curriculum. Students should also learn how to use cross-cultural studies, to both learn about other cultures and identify inconsistencies or shortcomings within their own culture. (MSE)

The "Students Evaluation of Educational Quality" is an instrument measuring dimensions of college teaching effectiveness. A study showed that, for ratings of 123 instructors in 3,079 classes over 13 years, each instructor has a distinct profile of ratings that generalizes over time, different courses, and course level. (Author/MSE)

A review of the literature on writing block looks at two kinds: inability to write in a timely, fluent fashion, and reluctance by academicians to assist others in writing. Obstacles to fluent writing are outlined, four historical trends in treating blocks are discussed, and implications are examined. (MSE)

A study of 50 land grant universities found increasing involvement in economic development activities. Historically black colleges appeared to be comparatively less involved, and institutions with larger budgets appeared more committed to economic development. University location (region) was not a significant factor. (MSE)

Based on a review of literature (from 1951-91) on higher education and a study of corporate ethical behavior, it is concluded that the university lacks information on its own ethical behavior. Increased institutional research on moral behavior, explicit standards, and university ethics committees to induce morally sensitive behavior are…