Accountability is Key: Mentoring Faculty Research through Partnership, Community of Practices, and Writing Groups

Academic writers frequently struggle to produce research, presentations, and peer-reviewed articles. In particular, faculty in teaching and learning institutions may lack the background and support necessary to effectively work individually on research and writing projects. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith was a community college for decades before becoming a comprehensive regional university in 2002. In less than 20 years, the university has worked to create a research culture and foster works of scholarship. The challenge has been particularly acute for the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), which has retained technical certificates, associate degrees, as well as baccalaureate degrees. Some faculty members, despite terminal degrees, have not developed the habit of scholarship. Other faculty members are still pursuing their doctorates. Because of the heavy focus on teaching and service, CAST faculty have been at a research and writing disadvantage. In this interactive workshop, the presenters share their personal experiences creating a research partnership, participating in an international community of practice, and finally mentoring developing researchers through the creation of a research and writing support group. The goals of the session are: Review the literature on developing academic researchers through mentoring, communities of practice and writing groups Share a reflective narrative of a six-year research partnership Provide a roadmap for creating a research and writing support group for developing researchers Brainstorm potential communities of practice to support research and publication Create a dialog with participants about to share experiences about mentoring researcher