Learning Resources

Abstract: Recruiting and retaining women and minority faculty members is a particularly challenging workforce development issue facing many universities. This article summarizes current literature and the results of a survey of selected institutions to gauge responses to this challenge. All the survey respondents indicated that recruitment of women and minority candidates has been problematic, that retention problems vary, and that job placement is difficult and can negatively influence the recruitment and retention of women and minority faculty members. Job placement for partners has been most difficult for those universities located in small- to mid-sized cities. A variety of programs have been attempted to alleviate problems of recruitment and retention.

Abstract: While it was once common to find separate buildings dedicated to the study and research of chemistry, biology, physics, and the earth sciences, there is a current movement in college and university settings toward unifying the science disciplines in one building or complex. This article addresses, in detail, this trend toward unification by discussing the driving forces behind the trend, the benefits of integrated science facilities, the challenges of the planning and design process, and the intricacies of the design approach.