mutual benefits
5 year plan
contributions
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convergent media, the ACTLab,
and the private sector
- Various models have been proposed for intersections between the academy
and the private sector. Very often, these models have underscored the
differences, rather than the shared affinities, of these two institutional
types. In this time of rapid technological change and media permeability,
there is a pressing need for progressive alliances between the university
and industry. We are in the midst of a technological gold rush, and
cutting-edge developments are happening outside university walls. What
the university has to offer this rush is a resting place, a retreat,
a reservoir of exploratory and contemplative thinking that counters
the speed and the demand for novelty and financial success that drives
the private sector. Historically the most transformative and eventually
profitable ideas have emerged in non-goal directed situations: the jet
engine, nuclear power, the discovery of gravitation and electricity,
even the tampon. Business and corporate thinktanks have not traditionally
been the sites responsible for the exploration or production of these
ideas, largely because they eventually answer to economic pressures.
A University-based laboratory can address itself to a wider-ranging
conceptual scope and diversity of ideas than can an organization whose
end goal is profit. It is also true, however, that a laboratory situated
in a University greatly enhances the potential for the unexpected that
may eventually be capitalized upon and exploited by any corporate associate
for increased market share.
gain for the private sector
idea market: access to a place of innovation unconstrained by profit
motives
testing field for products and ideas
site for early stage project production and research
academic advisors
authority / prestige of association with intellectual / technological
/ artistic talent of university
classes, lectures, programs and facilities open to employees of affiliated
businesses
opportunities for industry workers to enter the teaching arena
employee and intern pools
gain for the academy
funding (chair professorships, equipment, physical facilities, student
and faculty fellowships, visiting professors and researchers, lecture
series and symposia)
better facilities and better supported faculty attract better students
faculty and student project development occurs with eye towards industry
standards
alternative teaching / learning arenas
new areas of capital formation
proposed development timeline
the convergent media 5 year plan
1st Year (2000-2001)
€Lab faculty includes one tenured professor and one lecturer
€Lab staff includes two TAs (Teaching Assistants)
€Establish annual Lecture Series
€Instantiate new undergraduate curriculum
€Secure new facilities and technology
€Create collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that
begins to reach across campus and into the community
2nd Year (2001-2002)
€Lab faculty includes one tenured professor and one tenure-track
professor
€Lab staff includes two TAs, one GRA (Graduate Research Assistant)
and one SA (Systems Administrator)
€Hire halftime staff member for continued development and coordination
€Instantiate new graduate curriculum
€Court most promising graduate students in other institutions
€Create advisory board
€Create Lecture Series fund to make it self-supporting for
6 years
€Plan and secure funds for Biennial Symposium that develops
issues raised in Lecture Series to begin 2002-2003
€Secure funds for continuing spring semester Visiting Artist
in Residence to begin 2002-2003
€Create annual Interdisciplinary Summer Institute to begin
2002-2003
€Identify local businesses and individuals with whom to test
participatory waters
€Identify organizations and institutes internationally for
student and faculty exchange
€Identify businesses that would be willing to donate technological
resources to the Lab in exchange for testing and research projects
€Seek site for new facility, court donors
3rd Year (2002-2003)
€Lab faculty includes one tenured professor and two tenure-track
professors
€Lab staff includes two TAs, one GRA and one SA
€Halftime staff member position turns fulltime €Advisory
board in place and functioning
€Biennial Symposium held for first time €Visiting Artist
in position in Spring semester
€Interdisciplinary Summer Institute debuts €Local businesses
and individuals participating
€Continue to court most promising graduate students in other
institutions
€Create exchange programs to begin 2003-2004
€Secure funds for chair professorship
€Secure funds for annual post-doctoral fellowship residents
€Seek site for new facility, court donors
4th Year (2003-2004)
€Lab faculty includes two tenured professors and two tenure-track
professors
€Lab staff includes four TAs, one GRA and one SA
€Fulltime staff member in place
€Visiting Artist in position in Spring semester
€Exchange programs in place for both semesters
€Local businesses and individuals participating
€Interdisciplinary Summer Institute second year €Advertise
post-doctoral fellowship resident positions
€Plans underway for new facility
5th Year (2004-2005)
€Lab faculty includes one chair professor, two tenured professors
and two tenure-track professors
€Lab staff includes five TAs, two GRAs, and two SAs
€Fulltime staff member and halftime staff member in place
€Post-doctoral fellowship residents in place
€Exchange programs continuing
€Visiting Artist in position for Spring semester
€Biennial Symposium held for second time
€Interdisciplinary Summer Institute third year
€New facility begins construction
€Continue to court most promising graduate students in other
institutions
contributions
inquiries should be addressed to:
Dr. Elizabeth Dunn, Assistant Dean, College of Communication
512.475.9165
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