The majority of faculty, however, recognize the responsibility of cultivating the aspects of the partnership that need attention and directing their efforts toward its growth. Finally, some homely advice. Simply placing two programs together with the expectation that they will cooperate is not realistic. As is the case with any relationship, it takes commitment and energy to make it work. Departmental culture and mentality must change and this is not a situation in which loners and mavericks will be comfortable.
Teamwork is an essential constituant.
Things will not always be equal. If differences cannot be neutralized, they must be accommodated. At its best, our cooperative program works exceedingly well. There is a synergy that is unlikely to be found in a single program. We believe that we are simply better as a partnership than we were as single units.