Subtle Messages in Webinar on “Managing” the Aging Academic Workforce?

An interesting approach to the topic of aging faculties in higher education recently came across my virtual desk in the form of an advertisement for an upcoming webinar (with an interesting price tag to match).  The title of the program is “Managing and Supporting an Aging Workforce,” offered by Academic Impressions (a company I’m not familiar with) on November 15, 2015 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EST. 

The brochure advises “Given the nature of this topic, this online training is appropriate for human resources professionals, department chairs, deans, and senior administrators who deal with faculty and personnel issues.”

Here’s the description, which strikes me as charting a careful approach to helping (encouraging?) older faculty members make the decision to retire, without running afoul of age discrimination laws.

Experienced academic and administrative employees are the pillars for many institutions in higher education. However, with many faculty and staff members working well into their 60’s and 70’s, administrators face the challenge of supporting an aging workforce while having the appropriate policies and procedures in place.

Learn how to better balance the interests of your employees with the needs of your institution. This webcast will cover:

• Laws governing discrimination and how to remain in compliance

• Appropriate steps for dealing with diminishing capabilities

• Performance reviews, policies, and procedures