The Work of University Research Administrators: Bridging the Professional-Academic Divide

• In Event: 47.097 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Eight - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 47.097-3 - Organizational Administration in 21st Century Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

As part of a project on the social production of social science research in Canada, 12 research administrators (RAs) in 5 universities were interviewed about their work and careers. RAs have become an important source of assistance to academics, who are increasingly expected to secure external research funding. To perform this role, generalist RAs navigate the delicate tasks of helping these disciplinary experts to manage the growing complexities of grant-hunting and, at times, to process the emotional fallout of rejection. Although the efforts of these RAs do little to challenge a culture of performativity in the academy, the RAs have defined for themselves an emerging profession in which they make valuable contributions to the university and the professoriate.

Authors

• Sandra Acker, OISE/University of Toronto

• Michelle K. McGinn, Brock University

• Caitlin Campisi, University of Toronto

• Pushpa Hamal, University of Toronto