February 26, 2010 – Earlier this month, the Coalition for the Academic Workforce (CAW) announced the release of a new issue brief that calls on institutions of higher education to work toward ensuring that all college and university faculty members are recognized and supported as professionals committed to providing a quality education to all students. “One Faculty Serving All Students” calls for improvements in the current staffing ratios at colleges and universities, increased support for faculty members serving in contingent positions, and inclusion of all faculty members in the work and life of their institutions.
The new document sets forth four broad principles:
1. All faculty members need to receive compensation and institutional support and recognition commensurate with their status as professionals.
2. All faculty members should be aware of the recommended standards and guidelines for the academic workforce issued by their professional associations and faculty organizations.
3. All faculty members should have access to key information on academic staffing in their departments and institutions and use this information to advocate for change.
4. All long-term faculty members need to be fully enfranchised to participate in the work and life of the department and institution.
The Coalition on the Academic Workforce (CAW) is a group of higher education associations, disciplinary associations, and faculty organizations committed to working on the issues associated with deteriorating faculty working conditions and the impact of these trends on the success of college and university students in the United States.
Additional information about the Coalition is available here. The issue brief, “One Faculty Serving All Students,” is available here.
