Keep a copy of this tool for you to reference
The approach laid out in this project asks a PI to commit time and other resources to create a strong BI effort. This is not appealing to some PIs who may be looking for the easiest way of fulfilling their BI obligations. In order for the partnership to thrive, all parties need to be able to advocate for their own capacity and priorities, and – critically – be able to say “no” if an opportunity isn’t a good fit. In some cases, university staff may choose to steer a PI away from reaching out to an ISE partner if they can sense the fit is poor. In other cases, the ISE itself may need to decide they cannot sign on to a proposed collaboration.
When considering whether or not an opportunity is a good fit for collaboration, ask the following questions (some are more appropriate for an ISE partner, some for a university partner, some for both):
Interests
- What is the primary goal of the proposed BI project?
- For this PI?
- For the ISE?
- Would this potential collaboration advance institutional mission, vision, values, strategic plan, or initiatives?
- This may include considering how it will impact the university or ISE’s reputation or impact on community outcomes.
- Will it enhance the experience of our audience? How?
- What audience does the PI say they want to work with?
- Is this PI open to input from both ISE experts and from community members who may be invited to contribute to the design process?
- Does the proposed project fit with the needs of underserved audiences?
- Does the proposed project expand opportunities for community connections and underserved audiences?
- Is there a strategic advantage to nurturing a relationship around this particular PIs work?
Partnership logistics
- How soon is the grant due?
- Is there enough time to collaborate with this PI and create a strong project proposal?
- Does the PI show genuine interest in collaboration?
- Have they made time for conversations?
- Have they visited the ISE institution or do they plan to visit soon?
- Reach out to your community connections – what do they think of the project?
- Who should be involved in making the decision at each institution (and how)?
- What department(s) is directly involved? What department(s) will be impacted?
- How will the decision be made to participate in this BI project – by command, consult, consensus, or vote?
Capacity
- Are there sufficient staff, space, budget & time to implement this project properly?
- Is this a new program or project?
- Does this project fit into an existing program?
- What does the timeline look like? How does it compare to pre-existing projects?
- How does it fit in with the other priorities and is this the best time to do it?
Projections
- Do the potential rewards outweigh the risks?
- What are the rewards?
- What are the risks?
- Is it sustainable or does it advance sustainability?
- Will this relationship outlast the grant?
- What could this program look like after the grant?
If you decide not to partner with a PI, the university partner can help them find a different partner or spend additional time with the PI reflecting upon their understanding of broader impacts and larger broader impact goals.
Keep a copy of this tool for you to reference