Book Review

Advice for New Faculty Members: Nihil Numus by Robert Boice
Reviewed by Stephanie Mathson.

Robert Boice's Advice for New Faculty Members is a straightforward guide for new professors (or novices, as Boice refers to them) to follow in order to achieve success from the very start of our careers. As its subtitle suggests (nothing in excess), Boice states that moderation is the key to successfully managing the aspects of one’s career that are evaluated for tenure (or continuing appointment): Teaching, Writing, and Service.

Section one of the book covers what Boice terms "moderate work at teaching." Individual chapters touch on topics ranging from establishing good habits (e.g. preparing and presenting material in brief, but regular sessions) to collaborating with other instructors when possible. Boice also tackles the issue of how to deal effectively with classroom incivilities and other roadblocks to successful teaching. What I found most helpful are the practical exercises Boice provides to help readers replace negative thinking about their teaching with constructive (if not outright optimistic) self-examination.

Section two of Advice for New Faculty Members is about "writing in mindful ways." Boice encourages faculty to begin writing before they feel ready. He provides both the rationale as to why and exercises on how to do so. As in the previous section, Boice also discusses the negativity that many may feel as we reach impasses in our research and writing, and he provides suggestions on how to move beyond those stumbling blocks.

The last section of the book deals with professional service and, specifically, socializing and serving with compassion. Boice advises new faculty to become acquainted with academic culture early through perusing the literature and networking with colleagues for ongoing advice and support (which I am pleased to feel adept at already). Boice also writes about mentoring at length and how new faculty can use it to our advantage.

In the end, why read Boice's book—when there is a glut of similar publications available? The author argues that the directive format of his book, which is based on his decades of empirical studies, may cover "the same old things over again because they work," but he simplifies the advice and exercises provided in the text—some of which he covered previously in a number of research articles. I find that Advice for New Faculty Members successfully moves beyond anecdotes and provides a practical plan for us to achieve our professional goals from day one. I believe this book would be helpful for both new faculty members and veteran colleagues who want to mentor or otherwise encourage us.

Additional, useful sections in the book include a brief, general summary of key concepts, a long list of references for additional reading, a name index, and a subject index.

Title: Advice for New Faculty Members: Nihil Numus
Author: Robert Boice
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Pages: Softcover 298 pages
ISBN: 0-205-28159-1
List Price: $37.99