The Great Resignation has had a significant impact on the academic field, particularly in terms of professor retention. Plant scientist Elizabeth Haswell, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is one example of a professor leaving academia during this period. She expressed a long-standing desire for change and is transitioning to something outside of academe.
Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) made a noteworthy decision regarding the mandatory Ph.D. qualification for assistant professors. The UGC chairperson announced that Ph.D. qualification for appointment as an assistant professor would be optional starting from July 1, 2023. This change in policy reflects a shift in the academic requirements for professorial positions.
On the recruitment front, there have been movements in academia with new faculty appointments. For instance, Harvard University welcomed seven new members to its computer science faculty, including Jonathan Frankle, who specializes in neural networks. Similarly, the School of Science at MIT introduced 10 assistant professors and two tenured professors across various departments.
Advice from newly hired assistant professors sheds light on their experiences and perspectives. Virginia Moore, who joined Cornell University as an Assistant Professor in Plant Breeding and Genetics, shared insights into her transition into academia. These firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by new faculty members.
Furthermore, the academic landscape has seen the recognition of outstanding assistant professors through awards such as the NSF early-career awards. Twelve assistant professors, including individuals from disciplines like computer science and operations research, were honored for their contributions to their respective fields.
Overall, the Great Resignation has influenced professor retention in academia, leading to changes in qualification requirements and the recruitment of new faculty members. These developments highlight the evolving nature of the academic field and the diverse experiences of professors at different stages of their careers.
- Professors are leaving academe during the Great Resignation
- UGC reverses decision on compulsory PhD for recruitment of assistant …
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