The Civic Engagement Cluster:
A Case Study of Building Interorganizational Collaboration

Informal introduction: As we are just starting out to document this case as a study for understanding our process, we would like to ask you a hand full of questions. Please be candid. I will be taking notes as we speak on the computer, but won't be taping the interview.

• The overarching research question is that we are trying to figure out if we are actually learning from each other. If yes, then how? And if not, then why not?
• A secondary Research question is how did the formulation of the cluster concept arise and is this an effective mechanism for fostering learning among and between institutions of higher education?

  Interviewee: _____________________ Date and Time: ___________________

1) What originally motivated you and how did you come to be involved in this Project? Walk me through your responsibilities and actions taken thus far.

2) How did you come to understand the collaborative nature of this project or is it understandable at all?

3) When and how did you first become familiar with the cluster concept as a model for operation?

4) Talk to me about the primary hurdles to getting this project up and running and elaborate on how you overcame them?

5) What are the key benefits to organizing the project as it has unfolded and what are the pitfalls that face us going forward into the future?

6) Who or what has been most responsible for and helpful in getting this project off the ground as something that was good to do?

7) What other pieces of this project are important for us to document in the case and are there any other items that you would like to add that I did not ask you about?

8) Who is the best person to connect with in the future at your campus regarding this project and connect for access to documents you may provide?

9) Why are we doing this project this way…is there another way?

10) I don't know what I don't know - Is there a question that I should have asked that I don' know enough to ask? What is your answer to that question?

11) What's your definition of collaboration?

12) Do you think the collaboration is actually working?

13) What have you been learning?

Interview Protocol for Civic Engagement Cluster Meeting
18-23 July 2000 - Snowbird, Utah

1. How did your institution learn about the Civic Learning/Engagement Cluster?

2. What motivated your institution to participate in the CL/EC?

3. What expectations do you have from the CL/EC regarding what your institution may get out of it?

4. How do you anticipate working with others in the Cluster?

5. What is your (institutional) strategy for learning from other institutions? About change? About Civic Learning/Engagement?

6. How will you transfer what you learn to your institution's project?

Managing Institutional Change and Transformation

Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
2117 School of Education
601 East University Street
The University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259