Higher Education Leadership

Essential Resources for the Evidence-based Chief Academic Officer

by Kiernan Mathews

A woman doing research in the periodicals section of a libraryFor the chief academic officer or senior administrator in faculty affairs, there's little time to hunt for the latest research that could improve the practice of academic leadership. This time-scarcity problem steers decision makers, in the interest of expediency, to revert to the status quo--doing things the way they have always been done. It's no surprise, then, that we keep seeing the same results.

How do we get the best research on faculty in front of those in a position to make a difference? I've assembled a few “essentials” as a start to incorporate into the professional rhythms of the provost or academic dean.... Read more about Essential Resources for the Evidence-based Chief Academic Officer

Post-tenure Review from a Growth Mindset

by Kiernan Mathews

A woman in a pantsuit and heels climbing stairsI recently fielded a question from a COACHE partner who wanted to know about institutions doing good work in annual appraisal processes that makes real distinctions in faculty performance. There are effective, developmental, faculty-driven approaches, and COACHE data can be deployed to identify them. At our project, however, we start with frameworks—the four lenses of Reframing Organizations by Bolman and Deal are a favorite device here at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Where the Faculty Affairs Things Are: Conferences and Convenings

by Kiernan Mathews

This blog post was republished in 2019 with an updated list of resources: "Where the Faculty Affairs Things Are (Now): Conferences and Convenings Updated"

A group of colleagues around a conference tableEvery so often in my work at COACHE, I meet a brand-new vice provost or associate dean responsible for faculty affairs (or faculty development, or faculty excellence, or so on) at his or her university. Nine times out of ten, these are faculty who demonstrated their leadership as department chairs or on important university-wide committees and now find themselves as academic administrators without a community of peers on campus. It can be a difficult transition. Where do they turn to find support, professional development, and comfort that they aren't alone?

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APLU Members React: Forging Effective Partnerships to Sustain Institutional Change

Two people shaking hands over a pile of papersModerator: Beth Mitchneck, Program Director for ADVANCE, National Science Foundation
Panelists: Kimberlee Shauman, Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of ADVANCE, University of California, Davis; Loretta A. Moore, Interim Vice President for Research and Federal Relations and Professor of Computer Science, Jackson State University; Susan Carlson, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel, University of California, Office of the President

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COACHE Results Support University of Toronto's Large-Scale Communication Strategy

by Meg Starkey

A group of people discussing informationCOACHE spotlights member institutions that are delving into their reports and engaging with their colleagues around disseminating results.  This ‘spotlight’ features the University of Toronto.  I interviewed Sara-Jane Finlay, Director of the Office of Faculty and Academic Life and Stephannie Roy, Projects Officer in the Office of the Vice Provost, Faculty and Academic Life about their dissemination strategy.  So far, they have presented to their Academic Board; President/VPs/Deans; principals/deans/academic directors & chairs; and they post weekly reports and infographics in The Bulletin. You can find more information by clicking here. Their story highlights the importance of timing in attempting to generate an impact on the faculty and faculty leadership.

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Partner Spotlight: The University at Albany’s "Tenure Trek"

An audience observing a panel discussionIn 2008, the University at Albany developed a “Tenure Trek” program, aimed at demystifying the tenure process and providing junior faculty with  opportunities for collegial discussion with peers, information to help them better understand UAlbany, and strategies for achieving success in teaching, research and service. Events include panel discussions with senior faculty, structured workshops and informal discussions. All pre-tenure academic faculty members are invited to share their own experiences, and to gather insights from others on negotiating the early years of a career at UAlbany.... Read more about Partner Spotlight: The University at Albany’s "Tenure Trek"

Partner Spotlight: Career, Leadership and University Excellence Program at the University at Albany

A group of people at a seminarThe Provost’s Office at the University at Albany initiated a Career, Leadership and University Excellence (CLUE) program to study processes and policies that affect faculty satisfaction and to create programs that result in greater faculty satisfaction and success. CLUE is a multi-faceted and growing set of initiatives that invest in-- and seek to retain-- high quality faculty and staff. Two of these initiatives include the CLUE Planning Groups and the CLUE Fellowship.  CLUE Planning Groups enable faculty and staff to participate in longer-term and more specific conversations aimed at developing new ideas and finding concrete solutions to the issues of faculty satisfaction and retention.... Read more about Partner Spotlight: Career, Leadership and University Excellence Program at the University at Albany

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