3 Ways to Support Philosophy on Your Campus

Increase the Number of Majors

Advertise the major with posters, Facebook videos, and T-shirts. Hold study breaks and other student gatherings to build a sense of camaraderie. Make sure admissions personnel and tour guides can explain to prospective students the skills a philosophy major develops and what kinds of internships and careers graduates can pursue. Encourage students in other majors to declare a double major in philosophy.

Avoiding the Ax

What philosophy departments can teach their peers in the humanities about surviving cuts and staying relevant.

Create Relationships

Create interdisciplinary courses with popular areas of study such as computer science, engineering, and medicine. This not only increases the number of students tied to the discipline but also helps philosophy develop bonds with other departments, giving it more advocates and a larger constituency within the university.

Understand Metrics

Be aware of how your university evaluates departments. Become involved in any process that reviews departmental contributions to the university, and get a seat on important committees. Tell administrators how the presence of philosophy can help attract students. Point out that philosophers are much cheaper than scientists because they don’t need expensive laboratories or large start-up research packages.

Robin Wilson writes about campus culture, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. Contact her at robin.wilson@chronicle.com.