Why Researchers Choose To Improve the Academy for High-Impact Publications
To Improve the Academy stands as a cornerstone publication in the realm of Faculty Affairs, offering researchers a dedicated platform to share innovations in higher education teaching and learning. Established by the POD Network, this journal has long been a go-to resource for faculty developers, educational leaders, and scholars committed to enhancing pedagogical practices across universities. With a focus on evidence-based strategies that improve academic environments, it attracts contributions from experts worldwide who aim to influence real-world classroom dynamics and institutional policies.
The journal's appeal lies in its rigorous yet supportive peer-review process, which ensures that published works contribute meaningfully to the field. Researchers value To Improve the Academy for its emphasis on practical applications, blending theoretical insights with actionable advice. Whether exploring active learning techniques, diversity in curriculum design, or assessment methods, the content resonates with those navigating the complexities of modern academia. Its readership, comprising educators and administrators, amplifies the reach of published articles, fostering discussions that extend beyond individual campuses.
Over decades, To Improve the Academy has evolved to address emerging challenges, such as integrating technology in teaching and promoting inclusive pedagogies. This adaptability makes it particularly relevant for early-career scholars building their portfolios in Faculty Affairs. Submitting here not only elevates one's profile but also connects authors to a network of like-minded professionals through POD Network events and resources.
For those interested in higher education careers, publishing in To Improve the Academy can open doors to higher ed jobs in faculty development roles. Explore opportunities via faculty development jobs listings or check Rate My Professor for insights into academic environments. Stay organized with an academic calendar to align your research timeline.
Overview & History
To Improve the Academy was launched in 1980 by the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network in Higher Education, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing faculty development. Initially focused on sharing best practices among teaching center professionals, it has grown into an annual volume that captures the evolving landscape of pedagogical scholarship. The journal's mission remains centered on improving teaching and learning in postsecondary settings, with volumes typically featuring 10-15 peer-reviewed articles.
Key milestones include its transition to partial open access in recent years, making select content freely available to broaden impact. The POD Network's commitment to accessibility ensures that To Improve the Academy remains a vital tool for global educators, even as higher education faces shifts like online learning expansions post-pandemic.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a wide array of topics within Faculty Affairs, emphasizing research and practices that enhance instructional effectiveness. Core areas include faculty development programs, curriculum innovation, and student engagement strategies. It welcomes interdisciplinary approaches that intersect education with psychology, sociology, and technology.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Pedagogy | Articles on teaching methods, assessment, and learning theories applied to college-level instruction. |
| Faculty Development | Insights into professional growth for educators, including workshops and mentoring models. |
| Inclusive Teaching | Strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings. |
| Educational Technology | Integration of digital tools to support hybrid and remote learning environments. |
| Leadership in Academia | Guidance for academic administrators on policy and organizational change. |
These disciplines align with the journal's goal of practical scholarship, encouraging submissions that bridge theory and application.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed | Not indexed in Clarivate JCR; focuses on qualitative influence in niche field. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40-50% | Competitive but supportive for quality submissions in faculty development. |
| Average Review Time | 3-6 months | From submission to decision, emphasizing thorough peer feedback. |
| Citations per Article | 5-15 (estimated) | Based on Google Scholar metrics; strong in educational databases. |
| h-Index | 25+ | Reflects sustained relevance in higher education literature. |
These metrics highlight To Improve the Academy's role as a specialized outlet where depth trumps broad metrics.
Indexing and Abstracting
To Improve the Academy is indexed in key educational databases, ensuring visibility for authors. It appears in ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), which catalogs it for U.S. Department of Education resources. Additional coverage includes Google Scholar and EBSCO's Education Source, facilitating discovery by researchers worldwide. While not in Scopus or Web of Science, its presence in DOAJ-eligible formats supports open access dissemination. For full indexing details, visit the official journal homepage.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates on a hybrid model, with POD Network members receiving complimentary access to volumes. Recent issues offer open access options without article processing charges (APC), funded through society dues and sponsorships. Authors retain copyright under a Creative Commons license for OA articles, promoting wide sharing. No fees apply for submission or publication, making it accessible for independent scholars. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green OA compliant, allowing self-archiving.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are accepted year-round via the POD Network's online portal. Manuscripts should be 5,000-8,000 words, formatted in APA style, with abstracts under 150 words. Emphasize original research or case studies relevant to faculty affairs. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-blind peer review. Guidelines stress clarity and implications for practice. Prepare by reviewing past issues on the journal site. For career alignment, consider how publication aids tenure-track positions.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises distinguished scholars in higher education. Editor-in-Chief is Dr. Mary Lou Odom, with expertise in faculty learning communities. Members include experts from institutions like Harvard and UC Berkeley, bringing diverse perspectives on pedagogy. Their collective experience ensures balanced, innovative content selection.
Why Publish in To Improve the Academy?
Publishing here offers visibility within the POD Network's 1,500+ members, plus opportunities for conference presentations. It bolsters CVs for academic advising jobs and leadership roles. The journal's focus on actionable insights leads to citations in policy documents and teaching resources, enhancing long-term impact.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Publisher | Focus | APC | Impact Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Improve the Academy | POD Network | Faculty development practices | None | Not disclosed |
| Innovative Higher Education | Springer | Broad pedagogy innovations | Hybrid fees | 2.5 |
| Journal of Faculty Development | Magna Publications | Professional growth strategies | $500-1,000 | Not disclosed |
| Teaching in Higher Education | Taylor & Francis | International teaching research | Hybrid | 3.2 |
| Studies in Higher Education | Taylor & Francis | Policy and institutional studies | Hybrid | 4.5 |
This comparison underscores To Improve the Academy's unique no-fee, practitioner-oriented niche.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current trends like DEI in teaching.
- Include empirical data or case studies for stronger appeals.
- Seek feedback from POD Network colleagues pre-submission.
- Highlight practical takeaways in your discussion section.
- Track progress using tools like academic calendar planners.
Success here can propel careers; explore graduate school admissions synergies or study abroad programs for global perspectives.