The fall semester remains a big question mark in the minds of those associated with higher ed institutions. However, one thing is clear — enrollment will take a dip. That being said, tough employment decisions must be made, and HR must be prepared to explain and recommend a combination of furloughs, layoffs and salary freezes... View Article
Higher ed faculty require years of education but often work beyond typical retirement ages; jobs are stable, and turnover is very low; the pipeline for new hires is fundamentally limited; and competition for positions occurs nationally. As the workforce ages, this may create unique challenges for the management of a faculty workforce. To help higher... View Article
Members OnlyA philosophical foundation of academe is that of academic freedom—freedom in thought, speech, independent decision-making and expression of opinion for both the faculty and students. Attendant with that philosophy is responsible behavior. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) speaks of academic freedom as the indispensable quality of institutions of higher education. Further, that institutions of... View Article
Members OnlyFaculty members are the academic staff of a college or university responsible for teaching, research and extension outreach. They customarily fall into two categories: Tenure-Track Academic tenure is an employment status that essentially establishes a contract for continued employment between the institution and the tenured faculty member. Because of this, HR professionals must rely on... View Article
Members OnlyRelease time for academicians includes not only the customary leaves extended to all institution employees (FMLA, jury duty, funeral, expert witness, vacation, sick, military duty, etc.), but also includes sabbaticals, release time for consulting, and leaves to serve in faculty exchange programs or research. Release time policies vary from institution to institution, with some consistency... View Article