The Academic Citizen: The Virtue Of Service In University Life

Contemporary universities are very much an integral part of communities. However, while much has been written about teaching and research in universities, the "service" role of universities has been neglected. In an attempt to address this imbalance, "The Academic" "Citizen" looks at how these three roles interrelate and explores the idea of a compact between universities and society.
This book argues that in order to achieve a compact, we need to re-evaluate the poorly rewarded aspects of service and leading academics need to set a new standard. Based on in-depth interviews with an international group of academics, it sets out to:
- outline the interconnecting communities served by university lecturers
- explore what the notion of "service" means for academic staff
- develop a moral basis for the "service" role in academic life as both a collegial and civic duty
- show how service supports teaching and research in a more competitive environment
- examine the ideal character required to fulfill the functions academic citizenship
Drawing on a range of university and service traditions, "" "The Academic Citizen "has a strong historical and comparative perspective that should prove stimulating for those interested in the role of the academic in modern society. It has international relevance and will appeal to staff and educational developers in universities and colleges, as well as students of higher education.