Family-Friendly Policies and Practices in Academe

(Hardback)

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Description

This volume discusses why faculty and administrators of academe should care about implementing family-friendly policies and practices, as well as how they can advocate for policy changes. In section one, the books focus is on empirical studies that demonstrate the need for innovative programs and policies for faculty at colleges and universities. These pieces explore issues such as the value of work/life programs for employee retention, the need for a variety of family support policies including elder care, and the influence of workplace culture on the use of existing policies. Section two includes case studies of the process of formulating family-friendly policies and their adoption at a variety of universities. The subjects of these chapters include use of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the enactment of a parental leave policy, the development of a unique life cycle professorship program, and strategies used to implement new policies. The case study chapters provide descriptions of the identification of faculty and staff needs and the process of policy development as well as advice to faculty and administrators who seek to develop similar policies at their institutions.

Reviews

With its unique blend of research and campus-based case studies of policy development and implementation,Family-Friendly Policies and Practices in Academeoffers an informed and practical guide for creating a family-friendly academic workplace. -- Amy S. Wharton, Washington State University
This volume fills a gap by broadening work-family conversations to include topics related to both women and men and elder care in addition to including research about policy use and its impact on retention and tenure. The book is a critical read for researchers studying work-family and academic careers, faculty looking to manage different aspects of work-life integration, graduate students as prospective faculty, and administrators looking to improve the quality of faculty life. -- Kelly Ward, Washington State University
This book provides a thoroughly researched survey of the existing family-friendly policies in colleges and universities. The case studies present an insightful evaluation of what works best and what changes are still needed to help faculty manage life course events. Essential resource for all stakeholders in the academic workplace, whether they are developing work/family policies, implementing, or using them. -- Marjukka Ollilainen, Weber State University

Author Bio

Erin K. Anderson is assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Washington College, where she also contributes to the Gender Studies Program. Catherine Richards Solomon is professor and department chair in the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Anthropology at Quinnipiac University.