International Higher Education, Spring 2003

The Retired Academics Database

Universities in developing countries have faced a number of problems in recent years. As the Association of African Universities itself recognizes, the rapid expansion of higher education in many countries has highlighted an increased need for good-quality teaching (www.aau.org/releases/declaration.htm). But these countries have steadily been losing promising students and staff to overseas universities and international companies. Universities have also had to face the major impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis, as reported in a March 2, 2001 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

RAD is a database of retired academics and university administrators drawn from around the world. We know that university staff are often keen to continue teaching after they have formally retired and that they relish the opportunity to work overseas. The service will match these academics to vacancies universities are encountering particular difficulty in filling; although this would not be a permanent solution, these academics and administrators will provide cover for between a semester and two years while a university seeks a permanent replacement.

Due to the international nature of the scheme, RAD is a web-based initiative. University staff wishing to work overseas can register by using an on-line form, making the process quick and easy, in whatever part of the world they happen to be living. The website also contains resources and links providing further information about the scheme and working abroad. Universities will submit a request for university staff through an on-line enquiry form or by fax, and the ACU will search the database for suitable matches. Details of relevant candidates will be passed to the institution, which will then select an applicant to appoint. Universities will have to pay a small fee to use the service in order to cover administrative costs.

Piers Pennington, who is head of the ACU's academic recruitment unit that is running RAD, stated that "RAD has the potential to make a real difference in universities that urgently need to fill key posts. At the same time, the scheme offers university staff a unique opportunity to continue teaching and to experience different countries and cultures."

Information about RAD is available at www.acu.ac.uk/adverts/rad, or via e-mail, at <rad@acu.ac.uk>. Those interested in RAD can register on the RAD information e-mail list to receive updates on the scheme's progress by simply sending an e-mail with "RAD Information Email" in the subject box. Piers Pennington can be contacted at RAD, by telephone, at +44 (0) 20 7380 6739, or by fax, at +44 (0) 20 7383 0368.