After years of study at institutions spanning the globe, it would be understandable if Macalester professors wanted to settle into a comfortable routine of focusing only on their teaching responsibilities.

But many don’t.

An increasing number of professors are venturing off the Macalester campus to organize and lead projects in local communities. Off-campus work often serves to keep professors up to date on current and local issues and improve their abilities as teachers.

“This is obviously a complicated issue,” said Provost Dan Hornbach, commenting on the fact that outside work must not detract from teaching responsibilities.

According to the faculty handbook, “the responsibilities of a faculty member are multi-faceted and no simple definition of the faculty workload is possible to articulate. A full work load normally includes teaching courses, supervising independent and honors projects, community service and professional development activities.”

“Faculty has a huge obligation to serve the community,” said geography chair David Lanegran. Besides being a professor, Lanegran is the president of Minnesota Landmark Inc., a community center with a multicultural emphasis. “I think that professors should be encouraged to work in, or volunteer for, agencies and organizations outside the college.”

Lanegran began his involvement during the 1970s because of his interest in historical preservation and city planning. In 1988, he was asked to be the part-time CEO, and has since maintained his ties to Landmark. Because his off-campus work is directly related to geography and urban studies, it meets the criteria recommended by the administration.

Lanegran supports a balance between community service and teaching responsibilities. “If the faculty member is to work outside the college, the work should not interfere with that person’s duties at Macalester,” he said. But, “faculty need significant experience outside of the college classroom and academic community to effectively advise students and develop a relevant curriculum,” Lanegran said.

Visiting Assistant Political Science Professor Brett Smith is the chair of the International Issues Committee of Minnesota’s Sierra Club. Smith is currently involved in several projects, including a fair trade coalition participating in an upcoming rally in Duluth. His group is also participating in an Amnesty International campaign in support of worldwide protection of the rights of environmental activists.

“It complements my teaching because it keeps me in touch with the environmental movement through action and research,” said Smith, who started his work with the Sierra Club before he became a professor. “Since I’m part-time, I’m expected to do other things than just teach. Professors should be evaluated on how well they teach, and if they are being effective teachers.” Off-campus work often adds to their teaching abilities and effectivness.

Visiting Assistant History Professor Mary Wingerd is currently part of a planning team for a new Historical Society exhibit called History House. In addition to the History House project, she is also a consultant for the Landmark Plaza, which is currently under construction, and Excursion 2004, a celebration of St. Paul’s rise from a territorial village to its current state.

“I wouldn’t let [outside work] interfere,” Wingerd said, adding that she doesn’t get paid for most of her off-campus projects. “Teaching is my top priority.”

Wingerd advocated off-campus work, saying that the combination of the two aspects enhance one another. “In order to be an effective teacher, it’s critically important to be in touch with people outside the academy,” she said. “Talking to people enriches my ability to teach.”