DESCRIPTORS

Attacks on academic tenure are examined in light of current concerns about higher education in general and with respect to a predicted rise in faculty age in a period of reduced expansion. Two charges against tenure, nonresponsiveness and sloth, are selected because of the existence of empirocal evidence. Research studies on (1) faculty openness to changing demands and (2) faculty productivity are displayed and analyzed in their relationship to age, ra:1!z, and tenure. In both cases mediating factors are identified. In general, the 2 charges against tenure are not supported by the evidence. At the same time, flaws in the operation of colleges and universities are uncovered. In the main, they fall in the domain of human relationsof good personnel practices among professionals. Suggestions for improvement are made and needed research fields are identified. (Author) FACULTY RESPONSIVENESS AND FACULTY PRODUCTIVIT