That there be reasonable expectation that such an enterprise will develop networks of academics and non-academics beyond the immediate UNC Charlotte campus. Since they are not anticipated to have support staff of their own, academies, where appropriate, should work with existing campus structures such as the Center for International Studies, the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute , the Center for Economic Research, or Continuing Education . Since faculty work load and the evaluation of professional activities is ultimately the responsibility of department chairs, it is important that individual campus members consult with their chairs prior to participating in an academy. In order to insure that professional development and advancement of faculty members are not jeopardized by their participation in an academy, it is strongly recommended that participating faculty, through consultation with their chairs, arrive at a clear understanding of the nature of the proposed academy activities and how these activities will be evaluated for tenure, promotion and reappointment decisions. C. Benefits of Academy Status .
Academy status provides greater credibility when dealing with off-campus funding organizations.
Academy status provides greater visibility and credibility when articulating with other parts of the University such as Academic Grants and Contracts, departments, and colleges. Limited funds will be available to academies on a competitive basis for consultants, refreshments, etc. Academy status can strengthen proposals requesting one-time special speaker funds for campus programs related to the basic goals of the group. Academy status can facilitate bringing to campus people from the community, thereby providing faculty with new and potentially useful off-campus contacts. D. Suggestions for Implementing this Plan .