Binghamton Expands Faculty Engagement
Binghamton University is launching a new Faculty-in-Residence program. The program was created to expand faculty engagement with students outside of the classroom. The program will begin in spring 2015.
The program will give full-time faculty members the opportunity to take part in the academic and intellectual life of one of the University’s residential colleges.
The program does not provide the faculty “resident” with a living space. Instead, the faculty member develops an engagement plan to work with students, the faculty master and professional staff. For example, a faculty “resident” can give a series of talks or workshops based on research, expertise or interests; teach a one- or two-credit mini-course; or organize a symposium. The period of engagement can range from one or two months to a semester.
Faculty members will also become involved in the life of a community by doing things such as attending RA programs and training events; taking part in community government meetings; holding office hours; and having meals with students.
Some faculty members may already know which college they would like to affiliate with. Others can present their engagement plans and have the faculty masters and Residential Life staff decide which residential college would be the best place for that faculty member.
The Faculty-in-Residence program is the second step toward expanding academic engagement in the residential colleges. Previously, the faculty masters developed “signature themes” for the colleges.
The Faculty-in-Residence program has already generated interest from faculty and the vice provost for undergraduate education, Donald Loewen hopes to have two to four participants in the spring semester.
About the Author
Erin Purcell
Staff Writer, covering MetroMBA's news beat for New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.
