How do universities work?

By Laura.Duckett, 28 May, 2024
A cololurful graphic of two people putting jigsaw pieces together
Information on how institutions function and some tips for success from staff at campuses across the globe
How do universities work?
Information on how institutions function and some tips for success from staff at institutions across the globe
Two people putting jigsaw pieces together

Complex governance and a multitude of roles and departments make the inner workings of higher education institutions a mystery to many. So, how to decode the terminology, where does research funding come from, what are the keys to climbing the ladder and what exactly does a provost do? As well as answering these questions, this collection of resources delves into the roles that make up the workforce, some pathways to promotion, ways to recruit and retain staff and how to transform an institution on the brink.

By Eliza.Compton, 24 May, 2024

The secrets to success as a provost

Hands on a ship's wheel
What does this multifaceted job entail and what qualities do you need to do it well? Steve McLaughlin decodes one of higher education’s most mysterious roles
Reading time
4minutes
Roles and responsibilities
Resources
By Eliza.Compton, 23 May, 2024

Confessions of an Athena Swan chair

Group of professional people in a meeting
Serving on an EDI or gender-equity committee can be not only rewarding but strategic for the advancement of your professional journey, writes Jana Sadeh. Here’s how to do it well, based on her experience
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 28 May, 2024

The vital role of a faculty senate in higher education

Collective concept
In the intricate ecosystem of a university, the faculty senate allows for democratic governance and academic integrity. Here, Joseph S. Merola explains why establishing this body is not an option but an imperative
Reading time
4minutes
By dene.mullen, 9 March, 2022

How to become a dean

Academics looking to move up the higher education career ladder might consider becoming a dean
Paul Baines talks through the pros and cons of being a dean, plus the skills you’ll need to display during the recruitment process to get there
Reading time
4minutes
Professor smiling at the camera while writing something on a whitebord
By Eliza.Compton, 12 July, 2022

What is tenure in higher education – and how to get it

man running towards target
For many scholars, permanent employment is the light at the end of a years-long tunnel. Here, Henry Reichman explains the US tenure system and why it is key to protecting academic freedom
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 13 February, 2024

How to get promoted from an adjunct to a permanent position

Close up of a handshake
Transitioning from an adjunct to a permanent position requires a multifaceted approach that combines teaching excellence, professional development, networking and a clear demonstration of commitment to the institution’s mission, writes Shruthi J. Mayur
Reading time
5minutes
Keys to success
Resources
By Laura.Duckett, 4 December, 2023

How to transform a failing institution

Student standing outside a university building
Following the University of East London’s shortlisting for University of the Year award at the Times Higher Education 2023 Awards, Dean Curtis offers advice for driving positive change
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 14 April, 2023

Restructuring a university, part one

Summit of Ha Ling Mountain with Rundle Range and Banff National Park, Alberta, Canadian Rockies in the background
When Bill Flanagan took the helm, the University of Alberta was facing a $222 million funding cut – 20 per cent of the university’s operating budget. In this two-part article, he explains how the university undertook a historic overhaul
Reading time
5minutes
Colleagues having a conversation
By Eliza.Compton, 26 January, 2023

The art of fostering collegiality

Fountain pen writing note
With responsibility to encourage collegiality in their domain but limited authority to make it happen, what is a department chair to do? Kevin Dettmar shares the uses and misuses of academia’s professional bonds
Important information
Resources
By Laura.Duckett, 3 November, 2023

In trust, we trust: ensure transparency in university endowments

Calculator and hands writing down calculations on a desk
Endowment funds are important financial safeguards for universities, but transparency on how they are run and governed is an imperative. Here are some ways institutions can inspire confidence in these fiscal safety nets
Reading time
4minutes
Silhouette of a woman standing in a field with her arms outstretched
By Eliza.Compton, 9 January, 2024

‘Resilience is grit amid uncertainty’

Tree bent in the wind
In this extract from ‘The Resilient University’, Freeman Hrabowski and co-authors offer the resources and mindset that higher education institutions need to develop to sustain themselves through challenges and crises
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 5 March, 2024

Three principles for leadership in academia

Women in leadership concept
Reflecting on her personal journey, Catherine Moran shares the key guidelines that have shaped her leadership as a woman in higher education in times of change