Author: Badia Ahad, PhD As a graduate student, I had a lot of difficulties writing the dissertation. I was told by my readers that I needed to “bolster” my language, that my analysis could be pushed “further,” and that my arguments were too diffuse. These kinds of criticisms are not uncommon for dissertation projects, but … Read more
Author: Joy Gaston Gayles, PhD I have been a full professor for a year now. Recently, I was asked to reflect on my experience, given that less than 2% of full professors are African American women. As the first African American in my program area and department to reach this milestone, and one of less … Read more
Author: Barbara Risman, PhD Nearly all university administrators are really faculty in disguise. We take jobs in administration for a variety of reasons. Whether we are a Department Head, Associate Dean, Dean or Provost, most of us want to both do our jobs well and remain active in our fields as researchers and writers who publish … Read more
Author: Badia Ahad, PhD As a graduate student, I had a lot of difficulties writing the dissertation. I was told by my readers that I needed to “bolster” my language, that my analysis could be pushed “further,” and that my arguments were too diffuse. These kinds of criticisms are not uncommon for dissertation projects, but … Read more
Author: Barbara Risman, PhD In the 21st Century with higher education budgets shrinking from state legislatures, and small liberal arts colleges going bankrupt, it’s a stressful time to be a professor. The standards seem to keep rising for getting a job, getting tenured and promoted. Yet, for many of us, this is the life we want. The freedom to … Read more
Author: Barbara Risman, PhD Congratulations on your tenure! You are one of the few Americans left with any sort of job security. After more than two decades of education, and at least six years, and probably more, of precarious employment, you have arrived at your Associate Professorship. You know just how lucky you are. You’ve worked very hard, … Read more
Author: Cristi Cooke As an academic, it’s common to face varied and constant pressures on your time, resources, and “mental space”. Working long hours where you are trying to be everything to everyone can be an effective strategy, but it’s not a sustainable one over the length of your academic career. For many of my … Read more