These days, professors at prestigious universities must spend their waking hours on: (1) research (2) teaching (3) service. But easier said than done! Professors like to focus on the activity they enjoy doing the most, while the other two activities are like pulling teeth. How do we fix this? Can researchers and teachers specialize safely while administrators boldly chart a vision of the entire university for society?
Research generates new knowledge. Many PhDs have an incredible specialized training for research, and they have a passion for what they do. But they hate teaching and service because the “publish or perish” clock is ticking, and they need time for research. Then do away with such requirements! Besides, researchers are second-rate teachers to begin with, and they are not good at service either. Trust me, I was one of those researchers.
Teaching involves cultivating minds. In passing knowledge down to future generations of students, teachers have a great love for what they do. But they hate research and service because teaching takes a great deal of time to prepare for. Then do away with such requirements! Besides, teachers are second-rate researchers to begin with, and they are not good at service either. Trust me, I was one of those teachers.
Service involves administrative duties. Determining the vision and mission of the university are crucial roles, and administrators have a strong vocation for this. But they hate research and teaching because it takes time away from the Dean’s Office. Then do away with such requirements! Besides, administrators are second-rate researchers to begin with, and they are not enthusiastic teachers, either. Trust me, I was one of those administrators.
So, what about the students? Starting with college, they take classes in research, teaching, and service (fall/spring/summer) and declare a minor by year’s end. They do experiments with researchers, take classes from teachers, or frequent the Dean’s Office. As seniors, they can commit to an honors project, e.g., English/research, women’s studies/teaching, physics/service. Their major focuses on tradition; their minor steeps them in modernity.
Is the university really in that much trouble? If “no,” then I am beating a dead horse. I was a failed professor. I had to do all three roles, and do them well. And I didn’t. Maybe it is not my place to complain! But if the answer is “yes?” Then the pendulum should swing to a circumspect specialization of faculty, a holistic introduction of the academy to students, and an administrative presentation to society of the university as a role model for other organizations.
J.J. Park
Jasonjjpark.com
Image credit: shutterstock.com/KarloCuris