Vassar College
ER-19: Interdisciplinary Research in Tenure and Promotion

Vassar does not have a specific policy favoring interdisciplinary research, but it is valued in tenure and promotion decisions as explained in the following quote from the chair of the Faculty Appointments and Salary Committee (FASC): "Vassar generally and FASC in particular certainly value interdisciplinary research and teaching. It is not a specific criteria for promotion: that is, someone can be tenured without ever moving outside of his or her home field. And there is no language in the Handbook that privileges interdisciplinarity. But neither is there any language that disfavors such adventurousness. In practice, we do look favorably at a candidate's record of participation in the [multidisciplinary] programs (and many candidates solicit partial review letters from programs). We also look at the evidence of collaborative scholarship either on the C.V. or in the research itself. We examine the teaching portfolio for new co-taught classes, and for innovative syllabi and assignments, many of which have interdisciplinary components. In these ways I'd say that to FASC interdisciplinarity demonstrates creativity, staying fresh and expanding one's horizons, collaborating across departmental lines, and serving the College, all qualities that count in one's favor when tenure and promotion decisions are being made." (Sarah Kozloff, Professor of Film and Chair of FASC)