massmomof1

Just curious about what it would mean to people that a "noticeable" number of faculty and staff in a BS are alumni of that same BS? I have no particular opinion on it - but noticed differences across schools on this dimension and would be interested to see what other folks thought.

Charger78

My opinion, fwiw, is that the "import" really varies greatly from school to school. It can show institutional strength, or possibly a weakness. Can a teacher be "too comfortable" and somehow not do their job properly at their alma mater? I do like seeing faculty who have graduated from other schools, since it means they have undergone a similar experience as those under their charge but presumably have the objective sensibility that should make for good decisions. To sum up, not necessarily bad, but maybe worth getting more insight, if that's possible.

ILikeTofu

As long as there's a balance between "lifers," new blood (young faculty), and the inevitable nomads (service at a variety of schools), I think it's a nonissue.

massmomof1

What if about a dozen of the school's administrators (that would be about 1/2 of the administrators) are alumni??? Does that change the conversation??