Project TRACS: Empirically Investigating Transformation through Relatedness, Autonomy, and Competence Support

Montana State University, Bozeman MT

Investigators

Abstract

Montana State University proposes to transform their main campus through a systematic approach that operationalizes Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Guided by their institutional context, the social science literature, and the tenets of SDT they propose a number of activities to achieve three main goals established to increase the participation and advancement of women in the STEM fields. Their goals include improving research capacity; improving work-life balance; and improving cultural attunement. To achieve these goals they propose several unique initiatives including the development of policy to encourage interdisciplinary research; a care-giving leave donation pool; and the use of diversity depth hires (incentives to hire women in STEM departments with low representation.) Their robust test of SDT has strong potential for broader impacts both on their regional campuses and across the country.