To enrich the resources for measuring the impact of educational development work, we have created a rubric to assess the degree to which a syllabus achieves a learning orientation. The rubric provides qualitative descriptions of components that distinguish learning‐focused syllabi and uses a quantitative scoring system that places syllabi on a spectrum from content‐focused to learning‐focused. It is flexible enough to accommodate a diverse range of levels, disciplines, institutions, and learning environments, yet nuanced enough to provide summative information to developers using the tool for assessment purposes and formative feedback to instructors interested in gauging the focus of their syllabi.

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In this time of intense pressure on institutions of higher education, the realities and needs of faculty working in them are often not very high on the list of concerns. This chapter examines the current malaise of the academy through an exploration of midcareer faculty. After summarizing selected studies on midcareer faculty, we draw on alternative literature and developmental frameworks to shed light on the spiritual dimension of the midcareer faculty experience. We offer recommendations on appropriate interventions in light of the alternative analysis and discuss their wider implications for a postindustrial paradigm of academic renewal.

Minority faculty retention is key to increasing faculty diversity at mostcolleges and universities. Because retention depends on individual faculty choice andadministrative tenure decisions, institutions need to help juniorfaculty develop a tenurable profile and enhance theirdesire to remain at theirinstitution. This chapter examines a fellows program that supports beginning faculty in developingsuccessful long-term careers, taking intoaccount research on helping diverse faculty members thrive. It also presents strategies forestablishing viable peer support networks and partnerships with senior consultants and for creating programmingthat ensures newfaculty successfully transition into teaching, research, andtheuniversity community.