I struggle with balancing these roles.
I prioritize teaching when classes are in session, I am always working on a paper or three, & I seem to have a finger in many service pies.
Why?
Each role is necessary for sustaining a healthy academy, with teaching perhaps the most critical driver of department health, research important for personal & institutional reputation, & service touching the department, institution, and discipline.
The rewards for teaching & research are often easy to see - tenure & promotion!
Service is trickier, because most faculty see it as a necessary evil. Many senior faculty advise early-career academics to simply avoid service.
IMHO that is terrible advice, because it means you are offloading your responsibilities onto your peers, who will resent you.
Always saying no to service leaves a bad taste in your colleagues’ mouths, which they are sure to remember when it comes time for promotion.
Given that all are important, an early career academic asked me what to do? How do you manage service?
First, take stock. See what others are doing in your dept—Benchmark against local norms.
Rules for service differ & will not be the same as your home school.
Get a feel for what is about right, where you work.
Second, be aware. Women & other historically disadvantaged populations are often asked to do more in the name of diversity, leading to inequitable demands.
Get a feel for if you are being asked to do more & if you are being asked to do more, know it’s ok to say no.
Third, think about growth. Every service opportunity affords access to new knowledge and new people.
As you assess the work, ask if this service will help you grow? In ways consistent with your goals?
If not, say no, and explain what you would rather do.
Fourth, carefully #listen. Don’t blurt out no. A quick no turns people off.
A measured yes or no leaves the door open to help in the future. Ask for more information.
It’s better to appear measured.
Fifth, consider time. Assess the time it will take & what you will have to give up.
Time is zero-sum. You can’t do everything!
Make sure you invest in service that is meaningful to you.
Sixth, stage. #Earlycareer academics should limit, not avoid, service.
Ideally, you will pursue or accept service opportunities that are a) visible, b) meaningful, and c) help you learn the uni.
Late career #academics should take a turn on most major committees, esp. those relevant to their interests.
I invest in #graduatestudents bc that’s my passion, and that it’s not visible doesn’t mean much at this point.
Finally, don’t. Don’t take on service you can’t do well. People may overlook success. They really notice failure.
I hope this helps. Service is important. We all need to #contribute!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_research-service-teaching-activity-6923633336737251328-CPh9?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
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