Some 1.34M hours of service helps earn WMU coveted Carnegie recognition
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擣or the second consecutive time, 六合彩开奖数据 Michigan University has received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which recognizes higher education institutions across the country for their outstanding institutional commitment to transformative collaboration locally and beyond.
Only 359 colleges and universities maintain the classification, an elective endeavor that requires institutions to voluntarily submit information describing the impact of their community engagement initiatives, ranging from class projects that address local needs to engaged research that maintains national or international reach.
WMU is one of 119 institutions in the country to be awarded the designation in the 2020 cycle, one of only 13 doctoral-granting universities with a 鈥渉igh research activity鈥 classification to receive this recognition, and one of 11 in Michigan to be named.
The University鈥檚 application documented that, in one year鈥檚 time, its faculty, students and staff:
- Contributed 1.34 million hours to community-engagement initiatives;
- Partnered with over 1,500 unique community organizations; and
- Offered 333 credit-bearing, community-based learning courses representing more than 75% of its academic units and programs.
This classification is the second consecutive time WMU has been recognized for its community-engagement efforts by the Carnegie Foundation. Since its most recent classification in 2010, WMU鈥檚 community-engagement efforts have increased sizably.
WMU鈥檚 selection means the institution鈥檚 dedication to dynamic and noteworthy community engagement runs through its mission, culture, leadership, allocations, and practices, says Kara Wood, associate vice president for community partnerships and co-chair of the University鈥檚 Civic Action Planning Team.
It also illustrates The University鈥檚 commitment to co-creating learning and public-impact focused research opportunities with community partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to critical societal issues such as poverty, racial equity, access to affordable healthcare, and the environment.
鈥淲MU has a long history of public service and community partnership, including experiential learning opportunities that allow faculty and students to apply their work and produce useful solutions for business, government and nonprofit agencies,鈥 Wood says.
鈥淭his recertification brings prestigious recognition and visibility to the accomplishments of our faculty and students.鈥
HISTORY
The 2020 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement was developed by the in the early 2000s. The foundation, which works to improve American education, understands community engagement as transformative.
Carnegie officials say that community-engaged partnerships can 鈥渆nrich 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.鈥
The classification parameters recognize schools that prioritize the mutually beneficial creation and exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The application鈥檚 lead author, Dr. Brian Gogan, associate professor of English and co-chair of the Civic Action Planning Team, notes that the 2020 application was significantly more rigorous than the one completed in 2010.
鈥淭he 2020 application asked for much more specific pieces of data, such as the number and employment status of faculty who offered community engaged courses to their students,鈥 Gogan says. 鈥淎nd, the 2020 application process further required the University to submit names of 15 community partners, who were contacted for confidential assessments of WU鈥檚 community engagement work.鈥
The University鈥檚 community engagement practices with public and private entities are longstanding, widespread, and diverse, as its Community Engagement Geo-Map shows.
Noteworthy collaborations include:
-
WMU students studying PFAS contamination at a site in Richland, Michigan. - Southwest Michigan Children鈥檚 Trauma Assessment Center. The center provides comprehensive neurodevelopment trauma assessments for children who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences. College of Health and Human Services students provide thousands of fieldwork hours at the center as part of their professional training.
- The hosts an annual Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium with WMU, which has impacted nearly 875 adult learners and has improved instructional capabilities of almost 300 volunteers. One major objective of the symposium is to facilitate cooperation between academic research of best practices in adult literacy and community-based application of this knowledge in the community, including service learning and internship opportunities for students.
- WIRE Youth Development Programs. These free offerings have benefited more than 1,000 youth between the ages of 7 and 13. The STEAM-focused programs help youth envision themselves in college and in desirable careers, and provide culturally sensitive guidance and instruction to help them get there.
Moving Forward
WMU鈥檚 2020 Carnegie application, which included comparisons to information submitted with its 2010 application, demonstrated a significant increase in the depth and breadth of community engagement efforts.
鈥淲e aim for the University to build upon our past work by promoting the assets of our faculty and students to showcase even higher quality community partnerships in the next reclassification process,鈥 Wood says. 鈥淥ur goal is to increase the strength, impact, and sustainability of our partnerships, all the while contributing to our students鈥 educational experience and effecting positive societal change.鈥
For more information, contact Margaret von Steinen, executive assistant senior in the Office of Government Relations, at (269) 387-2972 or @email.
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