Five ways to support interdisciplinary work before tenure

Melinda Harm Benson (), Christopher D. Lippitt, Ryan Morrison, Barbara Cosens, Jan Boll, Brian C. Chaffin, Alexander K. Fremier, Robert Heinse, Derek Kauneckis, Timothy E. Link, Caroline E. Scruggs, Mark Stone and Vanessa Valentin
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Melinda Harm Benson: University of New Mexico
Christopher D. Lippitt: University of New Mexico
Ryan Morrison: U.S. Geological Survey
Barbara Cosens: University of Idaho
Jan Boll: Washington State University
Brian C. Chaffin: University of Montana
Alexander K. Fremier: Washington State University
Robert Heinse: University of Idaho
Derek Kauneckis: Ohio University
Timothy E. Link: University of Idaho
Caroline E. Scruggs: University of New Mexico
Mark Stone: University of New Mexico
Vanessa Valentin: University of New Mexico

Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2016, vol. 6, issue 2, No 3, 260-267

Abstract: Abstract Academic institutions often claim to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research. Prescriptions for successfully engaging in interdisciplinary efforts, however, are usually directed at the individuals doing the work rather than the institutions evaluating them for the purpose of tenure and promotion. Where institutional recommendations do exist, they are often general in nature and lacking concrete guidance. Here, we draw on our experiences as students and faculty participating in three interdisciplinary water resource management programs in the USA to propose five practices that academic institutions can adopt to effectively support interdisciplinary work. We focus on reforms that will support pre-tenure faculty because we believe that an investment in interdisciplinary work early in one’s career is both particularly challenging and seldom rewarded. Recommended reforms include (1) creating metrics that reward interdisciplinary scholarship, (2) allowing faculty to “count” teaching and advising loads in interdisciplinary programs, (3) creating a “safe fail” for interdisciplinary research proposals and projects, (4) creating appropriate academic homes for interdisciplinary programs, and (5) rethinking “advancement of the discipline” as a basis for promotion and tenure.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary; Transdisciplinary; Tenure; Coupled Human Natural Systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s13412-015-0326-9

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