College Matters from The Chronicle
Faculty vs. Administration
Apr 1, 2025
Lee Gardner, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the escalating feud between faculty and administrators in colleges. He discusses the turbulence caused by no-confidence votes and high turnover in leadership, stressing the impact on academic integrity. The conversation delves into decision-making issues amplified by the pandemic, particularly around acquisitions and financial crises. Gardner emphasizes the need for collaboration and trust-building to address the evolving challenges in higher education amidst shifting faculty dynamics.
40:58
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The ongoing conflict between faculty and administrators is exacerbated by a significant disconnect in perceptions regarding respect and decision-making input.
- The COVID-19 pandemic heightened tensions as faculty felt ignored on safety concerns and unwanted shifts to online education, undermining shared governance.
Deep dives
Deteriorating Relations Between Faculty and Administrators
The relationship between faculty and administrators in higher education has significantly deteriorated, with increasing signs of acrimony noted on college campuses. Data from recent surveys indicate that no confidence votes among faculty are almost triple what they were a decade ago, reflecting a growing mistrust. While over half of professors feel their work is not respected by administrators, a striking majority of administrators believe the opposite, highlighting a disconnect. Such tension impacts the overall functioning of institutions, creating a challenging environment for both faculty and administration.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
