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Surveys of the Profession

Jewish Studies in the Academy in 2018

Summary

Prepared by Dr. Ilana Horwitz, Dr. Arielle Levites, and Dr. Emily Sigalow

As the AJS approached its 50th anniversary, we invited every institution with a Jewish Studies department to complete a survey based on the 2017/2018 academic year. This report presents data from 161 U.S.-based institutions that are not exclusively Jewish institutions.

Association for Jewish Studies 50th Anniversary Survey Report

Summary

Prepared by Evaluation and Assessment Solutions for Education, LLC

This report provides a comprehensive review of data from the Association for Jewish Studies’ (AJS) 50th Anniversary Survey as administered in August/September 2018. The purpose of the survey is to facilitate and improve AJS’ ability to meet its members’ needs and to better serve its core mission. To that end, the report includes four sections aimed to address the needs of the Association’s task forces on membership engagement, professional development, diversity and inclusion, and sexual misconduct.

2014 Survey of the Jewish Studies Profession

Funded by the American Academy of Jewish Research

Summary

In 2014, the Association for Jewish Studies commissioned Professor Steven M. Cohen to conduct an online survey of 2863 current and former AJS members, as well as 163 current and former members of the Association for the Social Scientific Study of Jewry. The purpose of the study was to understand the latest trends among graduate students, professors, contingent faculty, and other professionals connected to the field of Jewish Studies. The survey covers a range of topics, including demographics, work settings and conditions, salary, course enrollments, productivity, retirement plans, the job search, and disciplinary trends. With a 60% response rate, the survey is an essential tool for understanding the field of Jewish Studies and the professional lives of Jewish Studies scholars.

Full Survey Report including Appendices (Survey Questionnaire and Detailed Survey Results)

Survey Report

Appendix: The Survey Questionnaire

Appendix: Detailed Survey Results, by North America / Other

Commentary on the Survey, by AJS President Jonathan Sarna
Delivered originally at AJS Annual Conference, Presidential Address, December 14, 2014.

2008 Survey

Courtesy of The Jewish Policy Archive, with the support of the Charles H. Revson Foundation and the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Foundation

Conducted by Professor Steven M. Cohen and Dr. Judith Veinstein in conjunction with the AJS officers and professional leadership, the survey sought to obtain a profile of the entire AJS membership, including information on demographic characteristics, professional academic employment and interests, and views of the Association. Of the 1500 AJS members invited to participate, 488 (about one-third) responded.

Full 2008 Survey Report