²ÊÃñ±¦µä

The Academic Futures Committee affirmed interdisciplinarity as a key value in our teaching, research, and creative work. It went on to recommend that ²ÊÃñ±¦µä expand our status as a dynamic center for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and creative work by eliminating impediments to that work and by clearly rewarding these efforts. There is recognition that, with regard to research and creative work, we already have many areas of excellence on campus. At the same time, it’s clear that some disciplines are looking to expand their interdisciplinary research in new and exciting directions. Across the board, campus was clear that we have significant impediments to interdisciplinary teaching, many of which are operational and soluble.

On October 1, the Academic Futures Committee on Interdisciplinary Teaching, Research and Creative Works released its draft report to campus for a 30-day comment period. The Committee has been working since spring to look at innovative models to improve our interdisciplinary practice and reduce the campus barriers to this important work. 

Once again, we will be looking to campus for their input to the report. We will be requesting comments, as well as 2-page response papers to the report. Additionally, we have scheduled eight town halls throughout October to hear from campus their reaction to the Interdisciplinarity Report. Please join Dean White and members of the Committee and share your views!