An annual publication of the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network in Higher Education, the 21st volume of To Improve the Academy is a collection of articles that address the impact that professionals working in higher education have on society. Written after September 11, 2001, the book embodies a reaction of the educational community to these tragic events. Each of the contributing authors urges an awareness of the continuously changing nature of the world, and emphasizes the role that faculty development can play in connecting the work of classrooms with real life experiences, which is just as valuable today as it was after the tragedy of September 11.

To Improve the Academy, Volume 21, reflects upon the current and emerging trends in practicing faculty development in higher education. The book is divided into four sections:

• Section I, Faculty Development and Its Role in Institutional and National Crisis: reflects upon the events of September 11 and looks toward the changing face of American higher education
• Section II, Faculty Focus in Faculty Development: contains chapters that focus on the needs of faculty with respect to enhanced development
• Section III, Student-Centered Faculty Development: discusses the role that students play in the teaching and learning process
• Section IV, Philosophical Issues in Faculty Development: considers the potential effect of new technologies on the future of higher education

Written for faculty and instructional development staff, department chairs, deans, student services staff, chief academic officers, and educational consultants, this book offers a thoughtful resource for contributing to improvements in higher education.