University-wide criteria define engaging activities for the purposes of data identification and collection in addition to providing a means to evaluate faculty effort, student civic involvement and overall community impact.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching – Community Engagement Classification defines authentic engagement by the following statement:
“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.”
Community Engagement: The collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in the context of partnership and reciprocity. It can involve partnerships and coalitions that help mobilize resources and influence systems and serve as catalysts for initiating and/or changing policies, programs, and practices.
Community-Engaged Teaching/Learning: A pedagogical approach that connects students and faculty with activities that address community-identified needs through mutually beneficial partnerships that deepen students' academic and civic learning. Examples are experiential-learning courses such as academic service learning, field experience, co-op, internships, co-curricular and independent study.
Community-Engaged Research: A collaborative process between the researcher and community partner that creates and disseminates knowledge and creative expression with the goal of contributing to the discipline and strengthening the well-being of the community. Community-engaged research (CER) identifies the assets of all stakeholders and incorporates them in the design and conduct of the different phases of the research process.
Community-Engaged Service: The application of one's professional expertise in collaboration with the community that addresses a community-identified need and supports the goals and mission of the university and the community.
Source: Adapted from Virginia Community University’s “VCU Community Engagement Terms and Definitions” (4/13)
Engagement activities at FAU are further defined and classified as indicated in Levels of Engagement.
