Human Resources

Staff recruitment in high-er ed has become more competitive today, as schools compete to hire the best and brightest. Here's how institutions are making themselves attractive to both current and potential employees.

Think "workplace diversity," and people of various races and ethnicities likely come to mind. But those with disabilities are a group not to be forgotten.

Universities have been more creative recently in controlling rising health-care costs for faculty and staff members. It's a defensive move: Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance have been rising dramatically--premiums went up 59 percent, or five times the rate of inflation, between 2000 and 2004, according to a Health Research and Educational Trust survey. Still, cost-saving options are available, from self-insurance plans to stronger wellness programs to giving employees the chance to have telephone consultations with health-care providers.

Higher education institutions today realize the benefits of diversity, and recognize the contributions and achievements of a diverse faculty; not just one that is diverse in terms of race and gender, but one that is diverse in talents, experience, and teaching approaches. A diverse (in terms of race and gender) student body bodes well for attracting a diverse faculty, and vice versa.