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Navigating the world of academia can often be difficult, overwhelming, and maybe even farcical. Moreover, the news pertaining to academia can be difficult to keep up with, and is frequently quite bleak. Luckily for us, there are some publications that focus specifically on working in academia and higher education which allow readers to stay up to date and engage with current topics. Additionally, there are websites and other avenues and services that are specifically catered to help graduate students navigate through the academic environment, whether that involves finding employment after finishing the degree, writing grants and applications, or managing stress and anxiety. What we've included here is just a sampling of what's out there, and indeed, they're all geared toward academic life as a whole and not necessarily focused on the fields of study that pertain to our region.
General Publications
These are a couple of the more well-known publications that are dedicated to academia as a whole, with broad discussions of various trends in the field directed to scholars at any level.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: This is a newspaper published both online and in print that offers news, resources, and opinions regarding higher education. It was founded in the late 1950s. Other than keeping readers informed and spurring debate, it also posts job listings and other similar postings about academics. In addition, it also publishes The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Chronicle Guide to Grants, and the web portal “Arts and Letters Daily.” Its scope is extremely broad. Some of the articles are pay-walled.
Inside Higher Ed: This is a much more recent publication, founded in 2004 by some former editors of The Chronicle. Its content is available solely online. While the coverage of this publication is somewhat less comprehensive than The Chronicle, it offers columns and editorials from many diverse perspectives, and none of the content is behind a paywall.
Specifically for Grad Students
There are many online resources directed specifically to grad students with the purpose of navigating the ups and downs of early academic life. They range from comprehensive websites, to much more personal blogs, to specific services offered. The resources listed below are just a small sample of what's out there.
The Professor Is In: This website offers a specific paid service to academics on the job market. The founder and president of this website and business is Dr. Karen Kelsky, a former anthropology professor who quit academia after many years and many positions, and started her advising business. At first glance her advice seems bleak and ruthless, but it can be helpful in gaining some understanding of the academic job market and of general attitudes and perceptions in academia. She's very much an advocate for grad students. While her services are expensive, Dr. Kelsky has also published a book which offers grad students much of her advice in an affordable package, and she writes a weekly advice column for The Chronicle, which is free and available to anyone who wishes to read it.
National Association of Graduate-Professional Students: This organization was founded in 1986 with the stated purpose of representing the interests of graduate and professional students in public and private universities at the local, state, and national level. It’s essentially a lobbying group, with the purpose of advancing graduate student interests.
Grad Resources: The aim of this organization is to help graduate students through the mental and emotional difficulties of grad school life. They offer services such as a crisis hotline, articles about managing daily life, and mentorship. While ostensibly a faith-based organization, the majority of their services are not directly affiliated with any religion or religious beliefs.
