Navigating Departmental Politics

An Interactive Theatre Performance by the University of Michigan’s CRLT Players

Thursday, March 31, 2016

10-12pm and 4-6pm

UC Ballroom

Opening Remarks, President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous

Reception to Follow Both Performances

RSVP at http://my.umbc.edu/groups/facultydiversity/events/38419

The CRLT Players are visiting the University of Maryland Baltimore County with their acclaimed production of Navigating Departmental Politics. A touring theatre company housed in the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan, the Players create research-based performances that examine current issues in higher education. Using a range of innovative theatrical techniques, the Players’ performances engage faculty, graduate students, and university administrators in critical reflection, respectful dialogue, and problem solving.

In Navigating Departmental Politics, a department meets to discuss a short list of job candidates for a faculty position. As the discussion develops, senior faculty play out long-established tensions, newer faculty try out various strategies for getting their perspectives heard, and the chair struggles to facilitate a productive decision-making process. Audience members are given the opportunity to reflect upon the dynamics of that department meeting—and then learn more by witnessing some “behind the scenes” exchanges between department members.