Faculties are the pivotal resource around which postsecondary education revolves.
They determine curriculum content, student performance standards, and the quality of students' preparation for careers. Faculty members perform research and development work which can advance this nation's technological and economic well-being. Through their public service activities, they also contribute to the public good. For these reasons, it is essential to understand who they are and what they do. This report describes faculty and other instructional staff in higher education institutions.