Changes

Through collaborative research projects, faculty and students often work together to explore shared interests in fields across the university. Through a faculty-student research project organized by S[http://furmangreenscene.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/agua-del-pueblo-sustainable-water-project/ ustainability Science professor Bruce Clemmens],&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Furman students travel to a small village in Guatemala to examine how access to clean water impacts a small community. Furman students work with medical students, a Catholic mission and a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Clemens to study how access to this water has improved the village's public health system and stimulated economic growth. Several students have published papers based on their research. Along with gaining valuable research experience, students can earn academic credit by participating in a May Experience course. The research is supported by annual fundraisers held on Furman's campus.</span>

While many faculty are interested in creating new courses and programs that explore entrepreneurship and innovation, they are limited by current curricular requirements, departmental objectives and individual responsibilities. Apart from creating new opportunities for students, few&nbsp;incentives are provided at Furman to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among the faculty. While faculty pursue research and dedicate their time to creating compelling classroom experiences, few have the time, resources or bandwitdth to explore new material or launch their own entrepreneurial ventures. One approach favored by many faculty members is a tiered system that would allow for more flexibility in course scheduling and provide incentives through pay commpensation, grants and awards.&nbsp;