Many students have this idea. A lot of students are interested in teaching but not necessarily in a tenure-track position at a big research school. And she was thrilled to get that job. But she was hesitant to tell her major professor. Like parents eager for their children to follow in their footsteps, faculty naturally are pleased when their students go on to fill similar roles in academia, says Margaret Ferguson, English professor and graduate director.
Academia is what they know.
Curriculum changes can also be made in support of alternative careers. Steps are being taken in that direction at UC Davis. In addition, the University of California will soon be granting a new Master of Advanced Study degree, designed chiefly for working adults. Using planning grants from the UC Office of the President, individual campuses are drafting proposals for pilot programs leading to the degree. At UC Davis, proposals have been made in the areas of computer science, maternal and child nutrition, and infant development.