While teaching undergrads I was continually amazed at how little the students knew about the life of an academic generally and the work of a researcher in particular.  Many well-funded and highly regarded people at undergraduate institutions teach students who think that the only thing their professor does is prepare lectures, write exams, and set out materials in the lab.  Faculty certainly care most about the respect that comes with a decent salary and sufficient time to apply for grants and do research.  But I think having one's sophomore biology class really appreciate your stature as a scholar could make a daily commute seem more worthwhile.  Is this a fantasy or is there a way to impress the students with faculty accomplishments?  Imagine an undergraduate lecture beginning with the university president and dean and dept chair applauding the receipt of a new grant or other award.  [The Clockwork Orange technique of palpebral assistance could be added to increase impact.!
 ]

Charlie

>
>Dear colleagues:
>
>Our college, SUNY Cortland, is interested in how other institutions visibly recognize faculty and staff accomplishments.  Although we have several recognition vehicles (the traditional award ceremonies, publicity, announcements, etc.) we are interested in finding meaningful ways that also contribute to the future of the person (to continue their good work) and give back to the institution (providing mentoring, etc.).
>
>Some new ideas we're exploring include modeling other institutions' awards for distinction by reducing the teaching load to allow faculty to expand and continue their work, creating a list of eminent scholars and researcher to use for referrals as experts as needed, providing some form of financial rewards/incentives (whether through salary or accounts for travel, etc.), and increased financial allocations to departments (in the case of revenue generated through F&A or endowment building).
>
>We welcome your feedback and good ideas to expand our thinking about this issue.  Thank you in advance for your time and input!
>
>Amy Henderson-Harr, Director
>Office of Sponsored Programs
>402 Miller Building
>SUNY Cortland
>Cortland, NY  13045
>Phone: (607) 753-2511
>Fax: (607) 753-5590
>Email: xxxxxx@em.cortland.edu
>
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