54TH ANNUAL ADEA DEAN’S CONFERENCERANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 11,2012

Collaboration Across the University (and Beyond)

Collaboration Across the University (& Beyond)

Presenters (in order of presentation)Ann M. Boyle, D.M.D., M.A.

Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Southern Illinois University

Pamela Zarkowski, M.P.H., J.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

University of Detroit MercyJudith E.N. Albino, Ph.D.

President Emerita University of Colorado Academy for Academic Leadership Senior Consultant

Today’s Agenda

1:30 Review of literature on academic collaboration; review of survey findings, are you trying to collaborate? (Ann)

2:15 Model for developing collaborations (Pam)2:45 Case discussions using the model (Judith)

five working groups…3:30 Applying the model to your institution

(Pam) working in pairs…4:15 Concluding Comments (Ann, Pam and

Judith)4:30 Adjourn

Today’s Objectives

By the end of the session you will…

Learn the factors that contribute to, and confound, effective collaborationLearn a strategy for facilitating change/collaboration within or outside of the institutionPractice using the strategy to solve case scenariosUse the strategy to plan for your own collaboration

Literature Review

Common Collaborations in Higher Education

Research

Education

Community Outreach/ Governmental Agencies

Private enterprise

Literature Review

Collaboration logistics: from close by to far away…

Different departments/disciplines within a school/college Between schools/colleges in the same institution Between schools/colleges across institutions regionally Between schools/colleges across institutions nationally Between schools/colleges across institutions internationally

“ having multiple universities involved in a research collaboration complicates coordination and reduces outcomes for the project”, Cummings and Kiesler

Literature Review

There has been a steady rise in between-school collaborations since 1975, measured by publication authorship, (Jones, et. al)

Most notable increase in collaboration is in Science and Engineering rising, from less than 10% to almost 33% Average distance between collaborators has

hardly changed…750 miles in 1975, 800 miles in 2005

Literature review

Allen’s rule of thumb (1977): coworkers should be no more than 30 meters apart, beyond which collaboration effectiveness declines…technology may improve this…

“The results suggest that although emerging communication technologies have radically transformed the style and scope of collaboration around the world, physical proximity continues to play a critical role in predicting the impact of scientific research” Lee, et. al. (measured by # of citations)

Institutional missions and cultures may not be compatible

“collaborative research which bridges administrative units appears to be more problematic than that which bridges disciplines”, O’Sullivan, et. al.

Possible Benefits of Collaboration

Improve efficiency, eliminate duplication Save money Maximize limited resources Access specialized knowledge or skills Access specialized equipment, software Enhance curricula and program quality Increased potential for outside grants Access to academic offerings by students in distant

locations Increased opportunities for faculty development Improve patient care

Potential Challenges of Collaboration

Institutional differences in mission, vision, values Differences in institutional governance, systems and culture Structural differences in P&T, teaching loads, compensation Rivalry between institutions Loss of institutional identity and autonomy Increased complexity of communication Unanticipated costs in technology infrastructure and

personnel Differing tuition and fees Accreditation issues Logistics: travel, space and time

“…the amount of time needed for collaboration is grossly underestimated and time is usually a scarce resource for educators”, Wasonga, et al

The Devil is in the Details…before you begin

Clarify purpose and goals of collaboration in advanceClearly discuss motivations and expectationsClarify roles, responsibilities for participantsFor research, establish data management

agreementsCreate a communication plan and processDefine the expected outcomes and measuresIdentify and recruit the best participants

Details…before you begin

Create a reward structure: monetary and P&T

Establish clear descriptions of respective financial, human & resource contributions from participants

Assure appropriate technology is in placeCreate process for negotiating differences

“Must Haves” for Successful Collaboration

Top-level administrative supportRealistic expectationsSufficient financial resourcesProfessional respectCommunication, Communication,

Communication

“Through effective communication, agendas can be generated, understood and clarified, especially at the beginning of collaborative process”, Wasonga, et al

Study on “value” of collaborative education

Study compared perceptions of administrators, faculty members and students after 10 years of educational collaboration (Hayes, et. al.)

Four campuses, same University systemFaculty responses differed

significantly from students, administrators on 2 items: Far less aware of the collaboration Did not feel they benefitted from the collaboration

Faculty responses

“The suggestions are supposed to go in the box”

Survey Responses-Collaborative Efforts

Survey Responses-Collaborating Parties

Responses:•Divisions/departments within institution •Schools of Dental Medicine •Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, Social Work and Public Health •Professional Colleges and Universities•Hospital and Community Health Centers•Faculty Practice/Pre-doctoral Clinics•Bioengineering / Biomedical Researchers

Survey Responses-Purpose of Collaboration

Responses:•Interprofessional Education (n=8)•Research (n=4)•Curriculum Development (n=3)•Program Development (n=3)•Outreach Programs (n=2)•Faculty Development (n=1)

Survey Responses-Purpose of Collaboration

Responses:•Interprofessional Education (n=8)•Research (n=4)•Curriculum Development (n=3)•Program Development (n=3)•Outreach Programs (n=2)•Faculty Development (n=1)

Survey Responses-Assessment of Outcomes

Responses:•Successful / beneficial (n=10)•In Process / Favorable (n=7)•Reexamine Need for Collaboration (n=2)•Significant Partnership (n=1)•Grant Funding Initiated (n=1)

Survey Responses-Obstacles to Collaboration

NEXT:

REFRAMINGA STRATEGY FOR FACILITATING

CHANGE/COLLABORATION WITHIN OR OUTSIDE OF THE INSTITUTION

Thank you…any questions?