Challenges to the Academic Role of Change Agent

Through the dual tasks of teaching and research, academics have traditionally been in a prime position of influence; that is, to be an agent of change for both students and the social context in which they operate. There is little doubt that given the momentous changes presently taking place within universities in Australia and the UK, the academic workplace will continue to involve ongoing change. In this paper, it is argued that in the debates ranging over the effects of increased class sizes, reduction in time for research and the greater need for income-producing activities such as consultancies, effects on the university academic role are often overlooked. The shifting role of the academic from an agent of change through their academic activity to one of a victim of change is examined. The issue is explored through consideration of changes in the nature and expectations of the role as universities respond to external pressures. It is suggested that academic disengagement from the role of change agent through interaction and dialogue has potentially serious implications. These are explored in terms of possible effects on the quality of learning for students.