Creating an Intentional, University-Wide Community Engagement Strategy

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: The Challenges of Fostering Organizational Transformation in Higher Education

Abstract

A 2010 study documented over 160 community partnerships underway at Sacramento State. While this level of involvement with community is valuable and rewarding, the data revealed that Sacramento State has only been offering pockets of engagement, not intentionally leveraging its full possible impact as a community partner.
This paper presents a case study of Sacramento State’s efforts to create an intentional, university-wide community engagement strategy. The paper weaves theories of change, systems theory, and interdisciplinary faculty leadership; an institutional mandate; structural change; and cultural shifts. Steps include appointing a Provost’s Fellow for Community and Civic Engagement; documenting community engagement partnerships; collaboratively developing a new risk management policy; developing large-scale projects; and developing a faculty advisory council on community engagement.

Author

• Jana Noel, California State University - Sacramento