The Waters Project 2010-2011
The
Waters Project is an experiment of shared intellectual, creative,
and pedagogical investigations for academic year 2010-2011.
Like the Sunset Project, the intent of the Waters Project is to
make Butler a more stimulating, collaborative and supportive
workplace (Priority Six of the Dare to Make a Difference strategic
plan). Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to
participate in the project through lectures, lunchtime symposia,
exhibitions, service projects and poster sessions centered on the
theme of Waters.
The theme was selected because, in the words of the author
Barbara Kingsolver,
"Water is life. It is the briny broth of our origins, the
pounding circulatory system of the world, a precarious molecular
edge on which we survive…We stake our civilizations on the coasts
and mighty rivers. Our deepest dread is the threat of having too
little moisture-or too much."
Water is both one of the most important molecules on the planet
and one of the most powerful and ubiquitous symbols among diverse
societies across the globe. Wars, both metaphorical and
literal, are fought over it. And in the 21st
century, access to clean drinking water may register as among the
most fundamental of human rights.
Over the summer, a committee has been assembled, consisting of
faculty from each of the six colleges and representation from
staff. The committee consists of: Travis Ryan (Waters
Project director, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Larry Lad
(College of Business), Brooke Kandel-Cisco (College of Education),
Leah Gauthier (Jordan College of Fine Arts), Mike Roscoe (College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), Rose Campbell (College of
Communication), Jason Goldsmith (College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences), Terri Jett (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) and
Judy Cebula (Center for Faith and Vocation).
Grants: The Waters Project Committee will offer
modest grants to offset the cost of events or projects (creative,
scholarly, pedagogical) related to the theme. Applications
can be made in writing to any member of the committee.
Proposed events or projects should be completed prior to 22 April
2011. The Committee will consider proposals until all
available funds have been allocated.
Stipends: Faculty or staff who initiate and
organize a larger event related to the Project (e.g., a lunchtime
symposium or service project) will receive a stipend of $300 in
recognition of their contribution to the Butler community.
Prizes: To encourage collaboration across
colleges, and to recognize creative contributions to the project,
the Committee will offer prizes for the following (prizes will be
announced at a year-end party organized by the Provost's
office):
- Best cross-college collaborative project
- Best creative submission (art, poetry, dance, etc.)
- Best integration of the theme into a classroom project
(preferably with results that can be exhibited)
- Best poster submitted for the poster session
- Best faculty or staff presentation (at a symposia or other
event)
- Most innovative form of participation or suggestion for an
event related to the theme
Please begin considering ways in which you can contribute to the
Waters Project in your teaching, scholarly and creative activities
this year. There is a Waters Project group on Facebook that
will be used to keeping the campus community updated about various
events associated with the project and a dedicated website will be
active soon. We would like all faculty, staff, and students
to keep the Waters Project in mind over the course of the academic
year…and when you travel this year, please consider collecting a
water sample from wherever you may roam, to bring home for a
culminating event. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact any member of the committee.
Click
here to view the Waters Project calendar of events.
For more information on the Waters Project or a copy of the
Waters Project image for use in your approved presentation or
project please contact Travis Ryan at tryan@butler.edu.