Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Perils Of Being Friends With College Administrators, Michael W. Firmin

Psychology Faculty Publications

This conceptual paper addresses an issue that may never be a problem for some in higher education, and yet may be the Achilles' heel for others. No absolute answers exist regarding befriending administrators, but I will address some of the dynamics that inherently are involved with the phenomenon and also various potential perils. To be clear, I am addressing situations where a faculty member is a friend with a Dean or Academic Vice President. In some contexts, the principles also may apply to friends in a position lower, such as Department Chair, or higher, such as Provost or institutional President. …