Harvest Christian University Research Department

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Mission and Structure
The Department of Research at Harvest Christian University is dedicated to advancing scholarly inquiry, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the pursuit of external funding. The department operates under a centralized research office model, with day-to-day research management responsibilities shared among individual academic faculties. This structure ensures both strategic oversight and discipline-specific expertise, facilitating effective support for faculty and student researchers.

Core Functions

• Research Development:
  The department provides comprehensive support for developing research proposals, including consultation on project design, budget preparation, and compliance with institutional and external guidelines. It offers workshops and mentorship programs to enhance the grant-writing skills of faculty and graduate students.
• Funding Identification and Administration:
  Staff actively assist researchers in identifying funding opportunities from federal, state, private, and philanthropic sources. The office manages the application process, from proposal submission to post-award administration, ensuring adherence to sponsor requirements and university policies.
• Strategic Research Advancement
  The department coordinates major research initiatives and fosters interdisciplinary and team-based research projects. It maintains communication channels to disseminate information about funding opportunities and research achievements, both internally and externa
• Compliance and Ethics:
  Dedicated personnel oversee research ethics, compliance, and risk management, ensuring all projects meet regulatory standards and ethical guidelines
• Researcher Development:
  The department operates a researcher development unit and a graduate research school, providing training in research methods, responsible conduct of research, and professional development for early-career researcher

Organizational Oversight

• The department is led by a Vice President or Dean of Research, who oversees key units such as Research Ethics and Compliance, Grant Management, Research Partnerships, and Research Strategy5.

Faculty-based research offices, managed by research managers, provide discipline-specific support and coordinate with the central research office to streamline processes and maximize research output.

Funding Operations

• The department manages internal grant competitions and seed funding to stimulate innovative research projects and support preliminary studies.
• It coordinates with external sponsors, including government agencies, private corporations, and philanthropic organizations, to secure competitive research funding.
• The office provides resources  for proposal development, including access to funding databases and grant submission portals.

Collaboration and Governance

• Lateral linkages are established through cross-functional committees and research oversight groups, enabling effective policy development, monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Regular training and induction for committee members ensure effective governance and strategic alignment with university research goals.

Impact and Evaluation

• The department tracks research outputs, impact metrics, and funding success rates to evaluate performance and inform strategic planning.
• It promotes the dissemination of research findings through conferences, publications, and public engagement initiatives.

This department model is designed to maximize research capacity, attract diverse funding, and enhance the university’s reputation for academic excellence, following best practices from leading research institutions

Societal Studies Programs 

Harvest Christian University offers a range of programs that address urgent societal needs, equipping students to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. 

Civics and Social Policy Studies
Harvest Christian University’s Civics Studies program is designed to develop informed, ethical leaders with a deep understanding of governance, democracy, and civic responsibility. Students engage with the foundations of American government, ethical decision-making, and community advocacy. 

Behavioral Wellness and Social Inequality
The Behavioral Wellness Division at Harvest Christian University addresses the growing need for mental health, inclusion, and personal development. The program covers life skills management, stress management, emotional intelligence, and diversity training. 

Indigenous Education and Environmental Justice
Harvest Christian University offers academic courses in Indigenous education, providing an introduction to the study of American Indians from both cultural and academic perspectives. These programs can be further developed to include environmental justice, focusing on the intersection of Indigenous rights, land stewardship, and climate change.

Migration, Racism, and Human Rights
While specific programs in migration and human rights are not detailed in the current offerings, the university’s emphasis on civics, behavioral wellness, and Indigenous education provides a strong foundation for developing specialized tracks in these areas. 

Quantitative Social Science Methods
Although not explicitly listed, Harvest Christian University’s curriculum in civics and behavioral wellness incorporates analytical and critical thinking skills essential for data-driven policy and research. 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)
The Behavioral Wellness program at Harvest Christian University is committed to fostering inclusive environments, celebrating diversity, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. 

Societal Innovation and Futures Studies
While not a standalone program, the university’s focus on leadership, community advocacy, and behavioral wellness encourages students to anticipate and respond to future societal challenges.

Civics Studies Program Prepares Students for Leadership Roles in Civic Life

Comprehensive Civic Knowledge

• The program equips students with a deep understanding of government structures, constitutional rights, political ideologies, and the history of democratic institutions. This foundational knowledge allows future leaders to navigate and influence civic systems effectively.

Development of Critical Civic Skills

• Students are trained in intellectual skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving-essential for evaluating public issues, distinguishing fact from opinion, and making informed decisions.
• Participatory skills are emphasized, including effective communication, collaboration, coalition-building, and conflict resolution, which are vital for leading diverse groups and fostering civic engagement.

Experiential and Applied Learning

• The curriculum integrates real-world engagement, such as community projects, simulations of democratic processes, and service learning. 

Promotion of Civic Values and Dispositions

• The program fosters values like respect for civil liberties, political tolerance, ethical awareness, and empathy. 

Encouragement of Active Participation

• Students are encouraged to vote, volunteer, attend public meetings, and engage with their communities, developing the habits and confidence needed for lifelong civic involvement.

Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Approach

• By blending civics with humanities, leadership, and scientific literacy, the program prepares students to tackle complex societal challenges and lead across difference.

Preparation for College, Career, and Civic Life

• The program’s focus on collaboration, communication, and critical thinking aligns with the skills sought by employers and prepares students for leadership in a variety of professional and civic contexts