TITLE:
The Third Mission of Health Faculties, Departments, and Schools: A Role in Society beyond Education and Research
AUTHORS:
Victoria Wood
KEYWORDS:
Third Mission, Health Disciplines, Policy Advocacy, Social Contract
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
5,
2022
ABSTRACT: Universities are increasingly playing roles in society beyond education andresearch, often referred to as a third mission. As such, there are debates within universities about their relationship with society, their desired impact in society, society’s expectations of the institution, and how they can be more accountable to society. This study explored the role that health faculties, departments, and schools play in society, beyond the education of health professionals and conducting health-related research. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing, and Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia (UBC) provided a comparative case study to explore the relationship between a university’s health units and society. A critical discourse analysis of strategic plans and interview data from leaders within each unit revealed an advocacy role that was operationalized similarly and differently across the three units. This advocacy role was grounded in aperceived social contract to meet the health needs of the population theyserve, improve the health and well-being of society, and address systemic inequities.This paper explores unique facets of health faculties, departments, andschools within universities that enable them to engage in policy advocacy towardthese aims.