Study Finds Faculty Face Bullying From Students
A survey of 189 academic staff across three countries links grade pressure and workplace mistreatment to higher education.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Higher Education
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Peer-reviewed findings published in October 2026 in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Practice report that faculty and university staff are bullied by colleagues, supervisors and students. Thirty percent of respondents said students pressured them for a better grade.
Why it matters
The findings suggest workplace bullying in academia is widespread and may extend to pressure over grades. Understanding these patterns can help universities design policies to protect academic staff.
The survey measured 22 forms of mistreatment from colleagues and supervisors plus separate questions on student grade pressure. Bullying rates reach as high as 68% at some institutions, but the sample size and how institutions were selected are not specified in the findings.
The players
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Practice
A peer-reviewed academic journal that published the study's findings in October 2026.
The details
Respondents reported bullying from colleagues and supervisors, and from students who threatened grade appeals, filed malicious complaints, posted negative online reviews, and used emotional manipulation. Junior faculty and Black, Indigenous and people of color staff reported more frequent targeting, and senior faculty were more likely to report student grade bullying.
Timeline
October 2026: Findings published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Practice.
Health Landscape
Workplace bullying affects more than 30% of adult workers in the U.S. and Canada at any given time, a baseline the academic findings extend into higher education. Rates reaching 68% at some institutions suggest the problem may be more concentrated in university settings than in the wider workforce.
Faculty and staff who experience grade pressure or workplace bullying may need to document incidents and seek support from their institution's human resources or union. Universities may review complaint and grade-appeal procedures in response to findings like these.
The takeaway
Academic staff who face pressure over grades can document incidents and report them through institutional channels. Institutions that track these complaints may be better positioned to address patterns of bullying early.
Further reading
Explore more on Higher Education to see how university workplace conditions affect staff.
More information
Read the original Conversation article on faculty bullying for the full reporting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Press.
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