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Tufts Institute of the Environment (TIE) is the interdisciplinary, university-wide education and research institute devoted to advancing and disseminating knowledge about the many ways human interactions affect the environment. TIE brings together existing environmental efforts at Tufts, and helps to catalyze new research, outreach, service and teaching initiatives.

The Structure of TIE

University, departmental and individual efforts evolved into the present-day coordinated structure of TIE. The distinguishing characteristics of TIE are that it places environmental activities administratively at the center of Tufts in the Provost’s office, yet allows the Institute to be highly responsive to each School through a Steering Committee comprising of representatives from across the university. Tufts has made a commitment to support the Institute financially, thereby allowing staff time to be dedicated to the work of TIE rather than the administration of the organization. These changes in TIE’s structure enhance its ability to facilitate communication about environmental projects and courses within the university; to disseminate accurate, up-to-date information about environmental work at Tufts to the public; and to support each school and department in various ways. The shared governance system allows TIE to adhere to high professional standards and ensure that all facets of Tufts are part of our environmental activities.

What Does TIE Do?

TIE provides grants and logistical support for:

• Interdisciplinary research, especially projects which tap faculty from more than one discipline and focus on solving important environmental problems;
  
• Graduate students in the many interdisciplinary degree programs at Tufts;
  
• New interdisciplinary courses, and revision of existing courses;
  
• Numerous events through the year bringing in guest speakers from around the world;
  
• Meetings and receptions to improve communication among faculty, staff and students.

To facilitate communication inside and outside the university, TIE created and maintains:

• the TIE web site;
  
• list-serves for faculty, staff, students, and community partners (subscriptions by e-mail to tie@tufts.edu);
  
• monthly postings of environmental speakers and other events at Tufts and in the Greater Boston area;

Where is TIE?

The Institute is located on the north side of Miller Hall, looking toward Medford.