Problems Faced by Faculty in Minority Institutions

Nzewi, Emmanuel U.; ,

Problems Faced by Faculty in Minority Institutions

by Emmanuel U. Nzewi, (A.M.ASCE), North Carolina A&T State Univ, Greensboro, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Policy and Management: Solving the Problems

Abstract:

The primary objective of this paper is to list some problems faced by faculty engaged in both research and instruction in Minority Institutions (MIs) and to suggest solutions to them. Problems which may impede both classroom effectiveness, and the ability to secure research grants and effectively conduct scholarly research have been noted. The information presented here could give some insight and guidance to agencies and groups who are interested in the improvement of the quality of teaching and research at Minority Institutions--including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Some of the problem discussed include: faculty teaching load, support staff and facilities, level of compensation, and the scarcity of research equipment and start-up funds. Several innovative and cost-effective strategies for resolving some of these problems are discussed. As a motivation for this paper, changing demographics and the composition of the work force by the turn of the 21st century are discussed to show their relevance to engineering education in the 21st century.

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