Promoting a Culture of Engaged Scholarship and Mentoring Junior Faculty in the Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Process at a ‘Teaching First’ University

Abstract

This paper analyzes the processes and outcomes involved with mentoring junior faculty in the reappointment, promotion, and tenure (RPT) process at a comprehensive state university and creating a culture supportive of engaged research. Although the university in this case study is governed by a collective bargaining agreement that prohibits the development of new written policies on RPT, the deans and other academic leaders can promote significant change through cultural means. The article will examine: the place of engaged scholarship within the reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes of the university; the university’s commitment to a cross-institutional research approach; the mentoring of faculty conducting innovative community projects; the university’s recent strategic plan initiative funding of collaborative cross-college and community projects; partnership with the city of Worcester’s Department of Public Health on applied scholarship related to five domains of public health currently establishedas the focus of efforts by the city and the region; and the innovative CitySpeak devised theater project. At this state university, strong leadership helped support a deepening culture of engaged teaching and scholarship and helped faculty negotiate the road of RPT.