The Rise and Decline of Faculty Governance

Professionalization and the Modern American University

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Higher Education, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book The Rise and Decline of Faculty Governance by Larry G. Gerber, Johns Hopkins University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Larry G. Gerber ISBN: 9781421414645
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press Publication: September 15, 2014
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Larry G. Gerber
ISBN: 9781421414645
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication: September 15, 2014
Imprint:
Language: English

The Rise and Decline of Faculty Governance is the first history of shared governance in American higher education. Drawing on archival materials and extensive published sources, Larry G. Gerber shows how the professionalization of college teachers coincided with the rise of the modern university in the late nineteenth century and was the principal justification for granting teachers power in making educational decisions. In the twentieth century, the efforts of these governing faculties were directly responsible for molding American higher education into the finest academic system in the world.

In recent decades, however, the growing complexity of "multiversities" and the application of business strategies to manage these institutions threatened the concept of faculty governance. Faculty shifted from being autonomous professionals to being "employees." The casualization of the academic labor market, Gerber argues, threatens to erode the quality of universities. As more faculty become contingent employees, rather than tenured career professionals enjoying both job security and intellectual autonomy, universities become factories in the knowledge economy.

In addition to tracing the evolution of faculty decision making, this historical narrative provides readers with an important perspective on contemporary debates about the best way to manage America’s colleges and universities. Gerber also reflects on whether American colleges and universities will be able to retain their position of global preeminence in an increasingly market-driven environment, given that the system of governance that helped make their success possible has been fundamentally altered.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Rise and Decline of Faculty Governance is the first history of shared governance in American higher education. Drawing on archival materials and extensive published sources, Larry G. Gerber shows how the professionalization of college teachers coincided with the rise of the modern university in the late nineteenth century and was the principal justification for granting teachers power in making educational decisions. In the twentieth century, the efforts of these governing faculties were directly responsible for molding American higher education into the finest academic system in the world.

In recent decades, however, the growing complexity of "multiversities" and the application of business strategies to manage these institutions threatened the concept of faculty governance. Faculty shifted from being autonomous professionals to being "employees." The casualization of the academic labor market, Gerber argues, threatens to erode the quality of universities. As more faculty become contingent employees, rather than tenured career professionals enjoying both job security and intellectual autonomy, universities become factories in the knowledge economy.

In addition to tracing the evolution of faculty decision making, this historical narrative provides readers with an important perspective on contemporary debates about the best way to manage America’s colleges and universities. Gerber also reflects on whether American colleges and universities will be able to retain their position of global preeminence in an increasingly market-driven environment, given that the system of governance that helped make their success possible has been fundamentally altered.

More books from Johns Hopkins University Press

Cover of the book Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Imagined Civilizations by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Selling the Amish by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Ethical Issues in Rural Health Care by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book The Boy Problem by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Diving Beetles of the World by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book American Snakes by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Distraction by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book The Physicist's World by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Operation Crisis by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book In Late Light by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book A New History of Medieval French Literature by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book How University Boards Work by Larry G. Gerber
Cover of the book Reengineering the University by Larry G. Gerber
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy