Definitions

Definition of Community Engagement

Community Engagement describes the 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.

The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of university knowledge 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 enhance the quality of life.

(Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2005).

Texas Tech University has adopted the Carnegie Foundation's Definition of Community Engagement.