Publisher

Call for Book Chapters

Editors

Dr. Yoko Mori, Institute of Science Tokyo; Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
Prof. Ben Daniel, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Corresponding Editor: ben.daniel@unbc.ca 

Book Overview

The higher education sector is evolving rapidly, with universities worldwide striving for excellence in teaching, research, and service. Academic Development (AD), also known as faculty development, is essential to this progress, supporting both faculty and students through programs that foster professional growth, enhance teaching quality, and improve student outcomes. AD is a foundational element in advancing higher education’s core mission and values by cultivating a culture of excellence. 

This book explores international Academic Development (AD) models, examining their purposes, goals, structures, functions, and distinctive identities. It addresses critical challenges facing the higher education sector, such as the expanding role of AI—which introduces new skill requirements, ethical considerations, and integration strategies—and the constraints of limited budgets that impact program scope and sustainability.

Aimed primarily at academic developers, university administrators and leaders, the book offers practical guidance on navigating these challenges by presenting diverse AD frameworks, policies, and practices from institutions worldwide. It envisions the future of AD within Higher Education, highlighting emerging trends, innovative practices, and the evolving role of AD in response to technological advancements, shifting educational demands, and global challenges.

Each chapter will aim to provide actionable insights on how AD units/departments can innovate within resource limitations, effectively integrate AI, and build resilient programs that support institutional goals. By showcasing adaptive approaches and successful models, this book serves as a resource for university administrators, and leaders seeking to strengthen AD programs and enhance institutional responsiveness to the evolving educational landscape.  

Book Objectives

  1. Present an overview of AD models from various countries.
  2. Compare and contrast AD approaches, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Analyze factors contributing to successful AD in different cultural and socio-economic contexts.
  4. Explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of AD.
  5. Inspire discussions and collaborations among global AD researchers, educators, and stakeholders.
  6. Offer practical strategies and recommendations for policymakers, educators, and institutions.

Potential Chapter Topics and Themes

  • Philosophical Foundations, Missions and Identity of AD: History, purpose, and motivations behind AD units and departments.
  • Politics and Politisation of AD: Institutional priorities, funding pressures, and policy agendas shape AD practices and influence educational outcomes.
  • Governance and Leadership: Comparative insights on governance structures, mentorship models, and decision-making processes.
  • AI and the Future of AD: The impact of AI on AD, including personalized learning, predictive analytics, virtual mentorship, and new ethical considerations in teaching and assessment.
  • Educational Technology: Role of digital learning technologies in transforming the nature of AD and reimagining strategic imperatives and directions.
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning(SoTL): How SoTL and AD units drive excellence and innovation in teaching through evidence-based practices and responsive educational strategies.
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): The role of AD in fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education.
  • Indigeneity and indigenisation: Current practices in indigenisation and indigeneity in higher education, trends, best practices, challenges and opportunities.
  • Research and Innovation: Examining research-informed frameworks, collaboration, and innovation strategies generated and provided by AD.
  • Quality Assurance: Assessing impact through quality assurance frameworks and evaluation mechanisms.
  • Student Support Services: The role of AD in providing institutional strategies for student engagement, well-being, retention, and career guidance.
  • Best Practices: Insights and recommendations for institutions to enhance educational strategies for AD.
  • Comparative Models: Strengths, weaknesses, and innovative approaches in AD.
  • Policy Recommendations: Guidelines at institutional, national, and international levels to promote academic excellence and collaboration.

Book Timelines and Schedule

  • Call for Chapter Abstracts — (350 to 500 words) 
  • Abstracts Deadline — 20th December 2024
  • Feedback on Abstracts — 20th January 2025
  • Invitation for Full Chapter Submission (5,000 to 12,000 words) — 20 April 2025
  • Feedback to Chapter Contributors After Peer Review — 10th June 2025
  • Submission of Full Chapters — 10th August 2025
  • Full Submission of Manuscript to Publisher — 10th November 2025

Are you interested in contributing a chapter (s)? Email an abstract (between 350 and 500 words) to: ben.daniel@unbc.ca