Tenure at community college
I love the Monitor. I learn new research findings and use the articles to increase engagement and awareness in my community college psychology classes. I was disappointed, however, to see the July/August article on tenure misconceptions describe how different contexts matter but never mention community college tenure processes. In the community colleges that I have experienced, there is not a three-legged stool. Instead, teaching, and improving one's teaching, is the primary area of evaluation. Campus services, in any of their varieties, are also important.
In my experience, research is sometimes viewed suspiciously since reviewers assume it takes time away from teaching and service. If you're able to accomplish all three in the community college context, to provide a quality education, be an informed committee member or active club advisor, and publish original research, then you will have little trouble with tenure. However, to earn tenure at a community college, often high-quality instruction is the main focus, and some campus service is required.
Michelle Oja, PhD
Taft College, Taft, California
What about the effects of PTSD?
The June "Update From the CEO" entitled "We Cannot Arrest Our Way Out of America's Opioid Crisis" is a timely message on the crisis we currently face in mental health and addictions. However, absent from the discussion is the importance of recognizing the dual diagnosis of substance abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even when a full diagnosis of PTSD is absent, exposure to adverse childhood experiences, or trauma in general, is common in much of the population. Many clinical programs address either addiction or trauma with some trauma programs excluding those who are actively using. The interaction between substance use and PTSD is important to recognize and address in order to bring the appropriate evidence-based programming to each of these populations. Until we are screening for PTSD in those abusing substances, we will not be able to bring them appropriate care.
Fiona Cunningham
Fielding Graduate University
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