Position Paper #2 - Basic Questions #2
Discussion Question 3

What is the Cluster Model?

The cluster model seeks to group in a non-hierarchical fashion functional activities with similar goals, outcomes, and student interactions. A cluster is non-hierarchical and porous in that the program is part of the cluster yet individuals may maintain direct reporting (in the traditional sense of the word) to another person in the organization. The cluster design will also attempt to organize and integrate programs at the college level and not to “bury” or create additional single function silos. Clusters are also designed to encourage closer collaboration and joint initiatives – many of which may not even exist currently. The cluster model also seeks, where appropriate, shared administrative support, shared facilities, shared strategic planning, shared programming activities, and shared funding, etc.

Ewell comments on the challenges faced by emerging programs within an organization “Rather than cutting across all aspects of campus functioning, therefore, each such innovation tends to become a train on its own track isolated from its fellows and from the real ways the institution does business. As a result, each either fades away fast as the latest fad or must quickly find an organizational home of its own, which behaves like all the rest.” (Ewell, p.4) The cluster is an alternative to recreating organizational structures that isolate programs needing cross-department integration.

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