From the Director
Welcome to the Institute for Workplace Studies.
The decision to establish the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS) in New York City was made as part of a larger project to augment ILR’s academic presence in the metropolitan area and to forge new ways to bridge the gap between academics and the working world. I have had the good fortune to be a part of these endeavors, and the success of what we’ve built here—our educational programs, many events, and efforts to enhance the visibility of the vital research of ILR faculty—continues to be gratifying.
I hope you’ll take the time to browse the contents of our website, but I’d like to point you to a couple of sections in particular. First is the IWS News Bureau, which provides access to an unparalleled collection of information about the global workplace to thousands of subscribers, free of charge. If your work demands current information about the workplace, I encourage you to check out the various editions of the bureau’s Documented News Service and take advantage of this exceptional resource.
The second thing I want to call your attention to is the MPS program, IWS’s largest ongoing endeavor, which has continued to flourish since our inaugural class was admitted in January of 2000. Housed by the institute, the part-time MPS program is a unique opportunity for working adults in the greater metropolitan region to participate in an ILR master’s degree program taught entirely by Ithaca-based faculty.
If you are familiar with ILR, you know well the benefits of pursuing studies here, and you can likely recognize the kind of highly motivated and passionate individuals who can most benefit from all ILR has to offer. Our students have ranged in age from 25 to 65 and have brought to the ILR community an impressive breadth of knowledge and work-based expertise. What they share is a passion for understanding and improving the complex and always changing workplace and the resolve to join in ILR’s commitment to “advancing the world of work.” I have been delighted by the caliber and enthusiasm of our MPS students over the years and am eager to expand the program and its reputation. If you know individuals who might be interested in this exciting opportunity, please direct them our way. If you are unacquainted with the New York City-based MPS program, I hope you will take a few moments to check out the program website at www.ilr.cornell.edu/mpsnyc.
Finally, I invite you to become involved with the institute. By signing up for our mailing list, you’ll be kept up to date on IWS programs and events and receive our newsletters, which highlight ILR faculty research and important news from the ILR School. The continued success of IWS depends on the involvement of ILR students, alumni, faculty, and friends, who bring to the discussion table not only knowledge and experience, but also curiosity and a proven dedication to positively impacting the future of the workplace.
I look forward to your input and participation.
—Samuel B. Bacharach
McKelvey-Grant Professor
of Labor Managment Relations
Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
