Texas Tech University

Outreach & Engagement

What is Community Engagement?

If you would like to see information post-2019, please visit the Outreach and Engagement page.

Community Engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education 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.

Engagement occurs when faculty or staff members' research, teaching, administrative, or service activities significantly engage their scholarly or professional expertise with communities and/or organizations outside the university with the direct goal of improving outcomes for those who live and work in them.

The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and 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. (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2011)

What is Raiders Engaged?

Raiders Engaged is Texas Tech University's annual assessment of outreach and engagement which collects information on several specific forms of Engaged Scholarship:

  • Clinical Service
  • Creative Activity
  • Credit Courses & Programs
  • Economic Engagement Research
  • Experiential or Service Learning
  • Non-Credit Classes & Programs
  • Public Programs, Events & Resources
  • Service on Boards & Committees
  • Technical or Expert Assistance

Operational definitions of Forms of Engagement

Why Should I Report?

Texas Tech seeks to establish progress towards the goals of Strategic Priority 4 – Furthering Outreach and Engagement. In addition, we wish to recognize faculty and staff accomplishments in engaged research, teaching, and service. All faculty and staff involved in Community Engagement activities are, therefore, encouraged to share information regarding their engagement work.

When Should I Report?

Annual data on Texas Tech's Community Engagement activities will be compiled based on calendar year periods (January 1 – December 31). The database remains open for input throughout the year so that individuals may enter their information at any time that is convenient. The database will be open continuously, however; data will be pulled January 1st of every year, at which time all data for the respective prior fiscal year period will be aggregated and summarized.

Before entering data, please have your information available. Here is a preview of the Raiders Engaged instrument that may assist you in completing the Raiders Engaged form.

For more information on Outreach and Engagement, contact Dr. Birgit Green or go to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/oe. For more information on the reports, contact Bryson Carroll at the Office of Planning & Assessment.





Office of Planning and Assessment