What we can do to encourage faculty engagement
when our faculties are stretched too thin
and are often asked to do more
(from the discussion at the November 1, 2005 First Tuesday Breakfast Roundtable)
As a Land Grant University, K-State has, as one of its fundamental missions, the application of research,
teaching, and outreach for the betterment of the quality of life for the citizens of Kansas. The degree to
which universities accomplish this mission and the quality of the dialogue and collaboration both across
the university and outside of the university is captured in the term "engagement." Engagement is not
a product but a mode, a way in which we conduct research, teaching, and outreach, one in which we
strive for greater collaboration across our campus and greater involvement off campus in the issues of
importance to the citizens of Kansas. Time commitments and the heavy work loads of faculty were
identified as at an earlier Breakfast Roundtable as a significant barrier to greater engagement.
The fundamental question is "What can we do together to affect the cultural change that is needed to
transform K-State into a truly engaged institution?"
Suggestions from our discussion:
- Create a culture of service engagement. Example: Department of Finance's professionalism component.
- Evaluation of service is critical. It must be noted and appreciated. Praise faculty and appreciate them. Recognize efforts and activities.
- Seek out models that work in other places.
- When senior faculty are underperforming it puts too much stress on younger faculty; therefore, reward senior full professors and unclassified staff.
- May need to have different strategies for different ranks.
- Realign teaching and service loads.
- Some faculty will not let go of things to free up time for other things. Help them identify things to give up.
- Spread the work around to engage everyone.
- You need a good set of priorities and a strategic plan.
- Utilize support staff more. Designate an instructor-level person to be the go-getter for projects and to do the legwork.
- It may help to encourage people to schedule some time away from the office
- Match needs for service to faculty interests.