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Senate defines urban research YSU title
BY HAROLD GWIN
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University’s Academic Senate has come up with a definition for “urban research university,” but it takes more than a few words or even a few sentences to explain it.
YSU has been dubbed an urban research university in Ohio’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education, but the term isn’t spelled out in the plan, leaving that definition to be determined by the Academic Senate.
On Wednesday, the Senate overwhelmingly accepted a one-page definition prepared by its Academic Research Committee showing that an urban research university is clearly a complicated entity.
“Youngstown State University, as a member of the global community of scholars, contributes to the development and application of knowledge for the betterment of humankind,” the definition reads in part.
It points out that the university strives to improve the quality of life and strengthen the economy of the region and forms “the major regional conduit to the global community.”
Faculty and students participate in basic and applied scholarship that enriches teaching and learning and engages with local and global communities.
Research isn’t confined to urban issues because not all nearby communities are urban.
However, as an urban research university, YSU is made stronger and more competitive through its link with its urban location, just as the urban location is made stronger and more competitive through its link with a high-quality research university.
As an urban research university, YSU will follow three core principles, according to the definition:
Scholars/Teachers: Faculty scholarship is integrated, as appropriate, into teaching and learning activities and facilitates undergraduate and graduate student research.
Scholarly Engagement: YSU is committed to seeking joint benefit through mutual sharing of information, expertise and resources, with the recognition that expertise is also found in the community.
Resource Alignment: The institution will invest in new and existing academic programs that will augment YSU’s research-related skill base.