What is the Difference Between Faculty and School?

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The difference between faculty and school lies in their organizational roles and responsibilities within a university setting.

  • Faculty: Faculty refers to the broader organizational structure of academic administration at a university. It is responsible for a portfolio of academic schools and is typically organized into multiple faculties, each focusing on a specific group of related disciplines or subjects. For example, a university might have a Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (HASSE), a Faculty of Medicine and Health, and a Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business, and Law (SABL).
  • School: An academic school is a specialized area of academic administration, centered around a particular discipline or subject area. It is responsible for the delivery and administration of a number of units or degrees related to that discipline. For example, a School of Law would administer law-related units and degrees within a faculty.

In summary, a faculty is a broader organizational structure that encompasses multiple academic schools, while a school is a more specific division within a faculty, focusing on a particular discipline or subject area.

Comparative Table: Faculty vs School

The difference between faculty and school can be represented in a table format as follows:

Aspect Faculty School
Definition Faculty refers to the professors or teachers in a educational institution who are responsible for teaching and guiding students. A school is an educational institution that provides learning opportunities and experiences for students, usually consisting of multiple faculties and departments.
Focus Faculty focuses on teaching, research, and academic guidance to students within their specific areas of expertise. Schools focus on providing a comprehensive education, including various subjects and extracurricular activities, to help students develop a broad range of skills and knowledge.
Relationship to Students Faculty interact directly with students, teaching them specific subjects and guiding them through their academic journey. Schools are the larger institutions that house multiple faculties and departments, overseeing the overall education of students and managing the various aspects of the educational process.
Roles within the Institution Faculty members typically have roles such as professors, assistant professors, and lecturers, focusing on teaching and research within their specific fields. Schools have various roles such as administrators, counselors, and support staff, who work together to ensure the smooth functioning of the institution and the well-being of its students.
Organizational Structure Faculties are usually part of a larger school, which may also have other faculties and departments. Faculties often have their own internal structures, such as departments and research centers. Schools are the top-level institutions that house multiple faculties and departments, overseeing the overall education of students and managing the various aspects of the educational process.