Faculty Application Process

We are now accepting letters of interest from faculty for the fall 2009 University Seminar course offerings.

Call for Letters of Interest 2009-10

Structure of the University Seminar

The University Seminar brings together faculty and students from different schools and campuses. To build on the strengths of such an interdisciplinary approach while minimizing logistical challenges, the University Seminar has a unique structure, blending large and small group work. The core faculty will meet with all the students (graduate and undergraduate) enrolled in the course to explore the seminar topic from an interdisciplinary perspective. Course size and logistics are flexible and ultimately depend upon the faculty, topic, and final format of the seminar. For some sessions, core faculty will meet with students in their own school to allow students to work with peers at the appropriate depth. Since it is likely that groups will meet concurrently on any of the three campuses, technological solutions such as teleconferencing will also be explored.

For example, for one of the seminars being offered in the fall of 2008, all students and faculty come together for the first session on one campus, for a mid-term session on a second campus, and for the final session on the third campus. In between these large group sessions, smaller groups of students work with faculty on each campus and communicate with other student groups through web casts.

Possible themes for the University Seminar

Faculty could propose to design a University Seminar around the theme of AIDS, for example, with sessions covering some of the following topics: exploration of the effects of HIV/AIDS on culture through literature, drama and art, the HIV virus, epidemiology, physician - patient interaction and adherence to treatment, community health prevention, understanding the cognitive mechanisms of risk-taking, cultural differences in the acceptance of persons infected with HIV, cost of drug treatments, international negotiations on generic drugs, etc. Other possible themes include Water, Climate Change, and Microfinance. This list is in no way exclusive, and applications will be evaluated for community, national, or global relevance and how the seminar builds on strengths and values of the university. Proposals including collaborations with one of Tufts' global partner institutions are encouraged.

Another aim is to enhance research and teaching, and to develop new research questions through the integration of different disciplinary approaches to a global issue. The University Seminar should be a springboard for future scholarship by creating a living body of work that will continue to grow over time.

Application and selection process for faculty to teach the University Seminar

1. Letter of Interest (LOI): The first step in the application process for faculty interested in teaching a University Seminar is to submit a brief, informal letter of interest (LOI). The LOI is to be no more than 1-2 pages outlining the faculty member's research area, general interests, qualifications, and an overview of the key issue of local/national/global social concern that would be addressed in their proposed seminar topic (use the proposal guidelines at the end of this document as a template). Faculty are invited to submit proposals as individuals or in teams.
   
2. Faculty Mixers: Once all LOIs have been received, faculty will be brought together in a networking event. This will allow for initial ideas to be vetted before extensive time is invested in developing a full proposal, and allow individuals with shared interests who might not otherwise interact to meet and form teams.
   
3. Assembly of Faculty Teams to Submit Full Proposal: Faculty teams will be invited to submit formal proposals. It is required that a team leader be designated - if the team's proposal is accepted, the team leader will be the main contact and carry certain planning and administrative responsibilities.
   
4. Submit Full Proposal: Teams will work together over the summer of 2008 to compose the formal proposal. Formal proposals include the submission of a budget outlining how funds are to be used, and should be consistent with a faculty member's school and/or departmental policies on intramural funds. Possible uses of funds include course release time for faculty planning and/or implementing the new seminar, funds for student field trip(s) or materials related to the seminar, refreshments for launch and closing events for each seminar, etc.

Questions? Email: useminar@tufts.edu