HOW TO SUCCEED WHEN YOU ARE THE ONLY GEOSCIENTIST ON CAMPUS

Some two-year and four-year colleges have only one geoscientist on the faculty. The solo faculty member might be in a department of science and mathematics, physical science, biology, chemistry, geography, physics, or environmental studies. Although each situation is different, some of the challenges for these faculty include limited lab space, sample collections, library resource; issues associated with tenure and promotion requirements; potential issues with teaching expectations and courses taught within the department; involving students in research when there is not a geoscience major; lack of colleagues in the same discipline on campus; and staying engaged in the discipline. Some strategies for a solo geoscientist on campus are similar to strategies for building a thriving geoscience department: articulating a clear vision and providing metrics of success, aligning their vision and goals with those of the department and the institution, providing high-quality instruction and being student-centered, leading change, and being a good colleague. Other strategies for success include getting involved in expanding your teaching and/or research interests, college-wide projects (e.g., honors, service-learning, writing, technology, undergraduate research, and/or teacher preparation programs), educating your colleagues (in terms of geoscience teaching and research), participating in professional development opportunities, getting involved with professional societies, and appropriately publicizing your successes. It is helpful to become part of a range of networks (department, campus, local community, and off-campus with other geoscientists) and to be proactive. The larger geoscience community benefits by having geoscience taught at colleges that would not otherwise offer geoscience courses.