Mastering the Scholarly Agenda
Crafting Research that Inspires and Endures
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It’s a crisp autumn morning in Washington, D.C.
I’m sitting in my new office, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes and the faint scent of fresh paint. I’ve just started my first tenure-track position, brimming with excitement and ideas. Suddenly, a knock at the door breaks my trance.
In walks a senior faculty member known for their groundbreaking work.
“Welcome aboard,” they say warmly. “I thought I’d stop by and see how you’re settling in. So, what are you working on these days?”
My mind goes blank. I frantically shuffle through my mental catalog of research projects, trying to assemble a coherent response.
“Well,” I stammer, “I’m looking into...” I trail off, mumbling about a few scattered ideas, struggling to recall the research agenda I had hastily crafted for my job interview.
The truth is, I didn’t really have a clue.
The senior professor listens patiently, then leans forward, their eyes twinkling with understanding. “It sounds like you have a lot of interesting topics to explore,” they say. “Have you thought about how these ideas might come together into a larger research agenda?”
Sensing my uncertainty, they smile kindly.
“Don’t worry,” they say. “Academia is a journey. We can grab coffee sometime and talk more about it. I’d be happy to share some ideas from my experience.”
That conversation, with someone who would become a valued mentor, was the start of a transformative journey—one that taught me how to build a scholarly agenda.
Welcome back to another edition of the The Tenure Track Newsletter, where we navigate academia with purpose, passion, and poise!
We’re wrapping up September’s theme, Vision and Purpose, before transitioning into October’s focus on Leadership and Influence.
In previous weeks, we explored the art of goal setting, the challenge of professional norms, and the power of personal branding. Today, we tie it all together with one of the cornerstones of a purposeful academic career: the scholarly agenda.
Here’s a roadmap of what we’ll cover:
Defining the scholarly agenda and its key components
Aligning your agenda with your values and interests
Navigating institutional expectations
Turning your agenda into actionable goals
Refining your scholarly vision
Promoting your scholarly agenda
By the end of this newsletter, you’ll have a clear understanding of what a scholarly agenda is, why it matters, and how to craft one that aligns with your academic passions and goals.
Plus, I’ll also be sharing a downloadable template to help you start refining your own scholarly agenda today!
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and let’s embark on this final leg of our September journey. Together, we’ll clarify our purpose and map out where we want to go in our academic careers.
Trust me, it’s going to be great!
I. Defining Your Scholarly Agenda
What is a Scholarly Agenda?
Many early-career academics mistake a scholarly agenda for a simple to-do list of research projects. However, as I learned from my mentors and colleagues, it’s so much more than that.
A scholarly agenda is your academic North Star. It’s a comprehensive vision that encapsulates your research interests, methodological approaches, and long-term goals.
Think of it as the narrative that ties together your past work, current projects, and future aspirations. It’s not just about what you’re doing—it’s about why you’re doing it and where you’re headed.
Key Components
Core Themes/Topics: Your agenda should center around the core themes that drive your research.
In my case, these themes include racial justice, environmental justice, poverty, legal history, community empowerment, and interdisciplinary connections.
These are the pillars that guide every research question I pursue.
Long-Term Vision: A well-defined agenda addresses key societal issues in your field, aiming not only to contribute to academic discourse but to make a tangible impact on the world.
Ask yourself: How will my research shape my field and society over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
Methodological Approach: Your agenda should reflect your unique approach to research and scholarship.
For example, my exploration of legal history and the intersections of Black studies and law allows me to bring fresh perspectives to long-standing social issues.
This interdisciplinary lens helps me uncover new insights and contribute to multiple fields.
II. Aligning With Your Values and Interests
Self-Reflection
To create a meaningful scholarly agenda, start with introspection.
What values drive your academic pursuits?
What societal challenges keep you up at night?
What research questions make you excited to get to work each morning?
For me, the pursuit of social justice through legal scholarship isn’t just an academic interest—it’s a calling that aligns with my deepest values.
Your agenda should reflect a similar synergy between your personal convictions and academic work.
Balancing Passion with Practicality
While pursuing research that excites you is important, it’s equally vital to consider the practical aspects of your career. A successful agenda balances passion with the realities of institutional expectations.
Consider the following:
How does your research align with your department’s goals?
Are there funding opportunities that match your research interests?
Can your agenda support your teaching responsibilities?
By balancing personal passion with professional expectations, you’ll ensure that your research is both fulfilling and professionally advantageous.
III. Aligning With Institutional Expectations
Understanding Institutional Priorities
Let’s face it, every institution has its own priorities and values.
Thriving in academia means being attuned to how your research can support these goals. However, this alignment isn’t about sacrificing your vision—it’s about finding creative ways to harmonize your scholarly interests with the institution’s mission.
The key is to align without compromising.
Start by having candid conversations with mentors, senior colleagues, and even department heads. These discussions can offer valuable insights into the institution’s unspoken expectations and priorities.
If you feel pressured to compromise, you might be in the wrong place.
For example, if your institution highly values interdisciplinary research, explore opportunities to collaborate across fields, enhancing the reach and impact of your work.
If there’s a strong emphasis on community engagement, consider how your scholarship can contribute to local or regional issues, positioning your research as a bridge between academia and the broader community.
Building these connections will not only help you navigate institutional expectations but also make your work more relevant and impactful within the broader goals of your department and university.
Navigating Tenure and Promotion
A well-defined scholarly agenda is one of the most powerful tools you can have when it comes to navigating the tenure and promotion process.
It tells a clear story of your research trajectory, emphasizing both your past contributions and your potential for future growth.
More than just a research plan, your agenda is the blueprint for how you intend to contribute to your field—and it becomes an invaluable asset when filling out tenure and promotion applications.
To make the process easier, I recommend mapping out a yearly project plan that balances long-term, high-impact goals with shorter, more immediately achievable projects.
This approach allows you to steadily build your CV while still dedicating time to larger, transformative outcomes. It also demonstrates that you’re consistently productive and capable of managing multiple streams of research—a key criterion for promotion.
What’s Next?
In upcoming newsletters, we’ll dive deeper into strategies for building supportive relationships with colleagues that enhance collaboration and mentorship.
These relationships can be pivotal, not only for research opportunities but also for navigating the tenure and promotion process with confidence.
Additionally, I’ll be sharing productivity tips specifically tailored to the academic environment, so you are always publishing—subscribe today so you don’t miss out.
Now, let’s explore how to turn these insights into actionable steps that will elevate your academic journey and refine your scholarly agenda.