The “Deprofessorization” of Professors: A Case Study and Polemic

ABSTRACT

The University of Wyoming is beset by increasing polarization between administrators and faculty members. The polarization became evident with the introduction by the administration of a highly quantified faculty teaching-workload policy. The situation at the University of Wyoming is emblematic of conflict between administrators and faculty at academic institutions throughout the country where an ongoing battle exists over what values should shape the contemporary university. One of the principal conflicts occurs over many faculties' perception that administrators are undermining their professional status.