Universities are seen as slow to respond to community needs and unwilling to make long-term commitments. Efforts toward a solution a. Discuss with existing community partners unmet research needs related to the Center theme. Forge partnerships with other area universities. The reward system does not encourage interdisciplinary collaboration or community partnerships.
Academics are often uncomfortable evaluating less specialized research.
Efforts toward a solution a. Invite NSF representative to discuss funding priorities and the role of engagement in funding decisions. Invite representatives from the Carnegie Foundation to discuss their criteria for classification of universities. Current classifications focus largely on number of Ph.D.s granted, number of publications in major refereed journals, number of research dollars awarded. Institutional leaders do not make engagement part of the core mission, although the leadership of the central administration is vital.