Reclaiming the Service Trap

Underrepresented faculty are often tapped for service roles not because of their expertise, but because of what they represent. Carolyn Dever provides strategic advice about how faculty can do well for themselves as they do well for their institutions.

Transcript:

So here’s something we all know. Sometimes we’re asked to serve on committees, not because of our expertise, not because of our interests, and certainly not to support our development. Sometimes we’re asked to serve
because of what we represent.

Are you a woman? Are you a faculty member of color? Are you queer? Are you first gen?

If so, sorry to say, I probably have a committee for you.

We all know this is a perennial problem, so here’s a tip for beginning to manage it. Each year make yourself an inventory of the things on your campus that you really care about. There’s a lot out there, so give it some thought.

Is it students or curriculum, research, academic freedom, contingent faculty? It could even be parking.

Every time you’re asked to serve, review your inventory and consider your existing commitments, then do the math. If it lines up and the opportunity fits the interests that you’ve already laid out for yourself, then go for it. If not, that’s an easy no.

Video provided by Dever Justice LLC.

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