This revised and expanded third edition of the popularAcademic 's Handbookis an essential guide for those planning or beginning an academic career. Faculty members, administrators, and professionals with experience at all levels of higher education offer candid, practical advice to help beginning academics understand matters including: - The different kinds of institutions of higher learning and expectations of faculty at each - The advantages and disadvantages of teaching at four--year colleges instead of research universities - The ins and outs of the job market - Alternatives to tenure--track, research-oriented positions - Salary and benefits - The tenure system - Pedagogy in both large lecture courses and small, discussion-based seminars - The difficulties facing women and minorities within academia - Requests for research funding from corporations, foundations and the federal government - The unique challenges of faculty mentoring - The impact of technology on contemporary teaching and learning - Different types of publishers and the publishing process at university presses - The modern research library - The structure of university governance - The role of departments within the university Including eight new chapters, this edition ofThe Academic 's Handbookis designed to ease the transition from graduate school to a well-rounded and rewarding career.