1 Partnering Successfully with Universities John L. Bear Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

2 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics PARTNERSHIP: A relationship between individuals or groups that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility, as for the achievement of a specified goal. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Houghton Mifflin, 2000

3 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics For discussion today: What do universities gain from partnerships with K-12 institutions? What can universities provide in such partnerships? How are strong partnerships developed? How are successful partnerships maintained?

4 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS Departments: Biology and Biochemistry Chemistry Computer Science Geosciences Mathematics Physics

5 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation University of Houston Texas Southern University Southwest Texas State University Rice University University of Houston-Downtown University of Houston-Victoria Houston Community College System San Jacinto College District Houston Independent School District

6 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics HISD Gains from the H-LSAMP Partnership: A strong bond with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Referrals for other collaborative efforts Opportunities for its students National recognition Local recognition

7 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics UH Gains from the H-LSAMP Partnership: Funding to support more students Improved student retention Improved minority recruitment and retention Decrease in average years to graduation Expanded programs that benefit all students Local/national recognition for having a successful program Enhanced relationships with HISD, leading to other partnerships Greater exposure within HISD for recruitment of highly qualified students

8 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics UNIVERSITIES BRING TO PARTNERSHIPS: Breadth and depth of knowledge, ideas, and expertise Resources and services (computing, distance education tools, listervs, etc.) Links to other agencies and resources Research methodology/statistical expertise Grant writing expertise Credibility/recognition by association

9 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics How are effective partnerships between K-12 institutions and universities built?

10 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics RULES OF PARTNERSHIP: 1. Understand the other’s culture and values. 2. Identify the most appropriate collaborators and decision-makers within the partner institution. 3. Establish clearly-defined goals and responsibilities for both parties. 4. Establish and use appropriate communication structures and modes of communication. 5. Be accountable and responsible.

11 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 1. Understand the other’s culture and values Universities have unique cultures. They generally: Include teaching, research (research universities) and service in their missions; Have unique hierarchies and protocols; Have many rules and regulations (human subjects, personnel, budgetary); Have faculty classifications that impact roles, motivation, and time available for projects; Desire to recruit top students; Value diversity; Seek to reduce student time to graduation; Value positive local and national recognition.

12 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 2. Identify the most appropriate collaborators and decision- makers within the partner institution. UNIVERSITY COLLABORATORS & DECISION MAKERS Collaborators: Faculty members and/or administrators Decision makers:Department Chairs Deans Vice-Presidents Presidents Chancellors

13 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 3. Establish clearly-defined goals and responsibilities for both parties. Have clear and measurable outcomes and deliverables Decide who will do what, when, and how Establish and follow timeline

14 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 4. Establish and use appropriate communication structures and modes of communication Decide who will communicate with whom and at what level(s) Decide modes of communication based on level of importance and those involved. Develop systems that are reliable, efficient, and convenient.

15 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 5. Be accountable and responsible Do what you said you would do: In the manner you said you would do it By the time you said you would do it

16 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics “It is probably not love that makes the world go around, but rather those mutually supportive alliances through which partners recognize their dependence on each other for the achievement of shared and private goals.” Fred Allen ( )