I've found myself using “serious” as a mental shorthand for what I recognise as “things done right” in an academic department, which in my case means computer science (CS) departments. I thought it would be interesting to make a list of these things, so here it is. They are somewhat subjective. Also, they are a function not only of organisational maturity and wisdom, but also of wealth and privilege. My current and past departments' achievement of them has been patchy. Failing at some...
