ABSTRACT
Targets must not only make sense of f2f bully encounters but also of cyberbullying through email communications and social media. This chapter offers multiple suggestions to help targets and bystanders/witnesses comprehend and mend social relationships, attempt social interventions, revise socialization processes, and seek social support to combat bullying and departmental bully cultures. Targets need to make sense of what is happening before they can act or respond to the negative behaviors directed toward them. The academic department also needs to be studied as a unit of analysis using observation or participant observation data gathering techniques. The inclination to integrate into a social support network often thwarts target victimization. In addition, the ability to acquire social competence reduces the likelihood of victimization. In the presence of bullying and a bully culture, administrators may find it necessary to learn in what other areas on and off campus that targeted faculty spend their time and psychic energy.
