Civic and EngagementCivic

Of or relating to issues of public concern.

EngagementEngagement, to quote from the 1999 Kellogg Commission Report, Returning to Our Roots, “goes well beyond extension, conventional outreach, and even most conceptions of public service” and is not designed “to provide the university’s superior expertise to the community.” While service, outreach, and extension traditionally describe activities that are provided to, intended for, or done in communities, engagement describes activities that are undertaken with community members in a context of reciprocal partnership.

Civic Engagement in Higher Education

…describes the collaboration between higher education institutions and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (2006)

Engagement is the partnership of university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.

Committee on Institutional Cooperation, 2004

National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

The purpose of civic engagement and learning: "A socially cohesive and economically vibrant US democracy and a viable, just global community require informed, engaged, open-minded, and socially  responsible people committed to the common good and practiced in 'doing' democracy."

Defining Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

“Educational experiences that intentionally prepare students for informed, engaged participation in civic and democratic life by providing opportunities to develop civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through learning and practice.”

U.S. Department of Education, Advancing Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action (2012)

Why Campuses Focus on Civic Engagement?

• Mission Fulfillment• Public Accountability and Credibility • Self-Interest

Addressing Institutional Priorities• Improving Teaching and Learning• Advancing Diversity and Inclusion• Improving Student Success

Learning Outcomes

Creating a Culture of Collaboration

In 2001, ‘A Decade of Civic Engagement’ was declared, propelling the College forward with a commitment to civic learning and community engagement that has become deeply entrenched within academics and student activities as well as within the greater community.

In 2011, after commencing the ‘2nd Decade of Civic Engagement’, the college’s civic engagement center was endowed, and renamed the Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement.

Mount Wachusett Community College

Creating a Culture of Collaboration

MISSION: The Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement promotes positive social change and healthier, more vibrant communities through innovative programming and partnerships that benefit our community and Mount Wachusett Community College.

Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College

President’s Office, Board of Trustees & Executive

Council

Creating a Culture of Collaboration

STUDENTS

CommunityPartnership

s

Creating a Culture of Collaboration

Mount Wachusett Community College

Understanding the Impact of Civic Engagement on

Student Learning

This work was supported by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education.

Moore Academic Strategies

WHY CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ?

Moore Academic Strategies

Mission

Preserve Democracy

Retention◦Engagement◦Learning

Moore Academic Strategies

Tinto (1993)

Brandon, Sullivan & Johnson (1997)

Moely, McFarland, Menton, Mercer, & Bustre (2002)

Gallini & Moely (2003)

References

Moore Academic Strategies

Theory – Content of Democracy

Experience of Engagement

Moore Academic Strategies

DiversityClassDifferential WealthEducation

Engagement With Democracy

Moore Academic Strategies

AAC&U (100)AASLU (177)NASULGC (539)Community Colleges

Background

Moore Academic Strategies

Is this an appropriate part of our mission?

What is the role of universities in civic education and engagement?

What is the role of general education in civil learning?

Future: Civic Engagement