How should the value of faculty be measured? How do we weigh the interests of academics, students, taxpayers, the community, and others in public education? Should "profit-and-loss" statements for individual faculty and departments be a factor? On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported on efforts by Texas and other states to measure the value of faculty and academic departments at public universities. The Texas A&M system has gone so far as to create a massive spreadsheet detailing faculty members' … [Read more...] about How Do We Value Faculty?
stanley fish
Plagiarism & the Faithful Presence?
As I read Stanley Fish's Plagiarism Is Not a Big Moral Deal (NY Times Opinionator, 8/9/2010), two responses immediately came to mind. What do you think? (1) I disagree that every sin is learned. My own experience and that of raising my kids (and my own responses to raising them), indicate that there is something not quite right inside which influences our behavior unless grace is given to go an "unnatural direction." Note: the Biblical story provides helpful perspective on this frustrating condition. … [Read more...] about Plagiarism & the Faithful Presence?
Week in Review: How Well Do We Communicate?
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. If you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. What is conversation like in your department? Do you have 'unruly' colleagues and not know how to respond (or wonder what to suggest when you have the opportunity), then check out To Rein In Unruly Faculty Members, Chairs Suggest a Department … [Read more...] about Week in Review: How Well Do We Communicate?
Week in Review: Faith, Reason, and YouTube Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. If you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. Mike will write a longer post about this on Monday, but Bruce Waltke's departure from Reformed Theological Seminary – following his appearance in a video posted on the Biologos Foundation's website – has been making big news. (In case you … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Faith, Reason, and YouTube Edition