Blackhurst, A. E., Wenger, G. L., and Sandell, E. J. 2009. The Value of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity in the Tenure and Promotion Process at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Monograph. Mankato, MN: Minnesota State University, Mankato. Look at this link UR_White_Paper-AY12 for a copy of this paper.
I co-authored a monograph with Dean Anne Blackhurst and Associate Professor, Gina Wenger: “The Value of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity in the Tenure and Promotion Process at Minnesota State University, Mankato.” This monograph was shared with the Task Force and with members of the President’s Cabinet. The paper provided rationale and examples of the ways in which undergraduate research advances both the University’s mission and the faculty member’s ability to document achievement in each of the five areas specified in Article 22.
As a comprehensive public university, Minnesota State Mankato strives to integrate teaching and research in service to the local, regional, and global communities. This mission is reflected in the criteria for evaluation of faculty members, as specified in Article 22 of the faculty contract. In addition to teaching, research, and service, these criteria include contributing to students’ growth and development, as well as the faculty member’s own professional development and preparation. Perhaps no single activity integrates the five criteria more effectively than undergraduate research, which represents the true blending of teaching and research in ways that benefit students, faculty, and the larger community. As a result, faculty mentorship of undergraduate research and creative activity fulfills multiple purposes in the promotion and tenure process at Minnesota State Mankato. Examples of the ways in which undergraduate research advances both the University’s mission and the faculty member’s ability to document achievement in each of the five areas specified in Article 22 are listed in the paper.