Reflections on the Revised NACC Curricular Guidelines

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Discussion

Abstract

This session presents the newly revised NACC Curricular Guidelines (4th Edition) and offers an opportunity to hear from an international panel on how they use or do not use the guidelines in their academic programs. The Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) is an international membership association comprised of academic centers or programs at accredited colleges and universities focused on the study of nonprofit/third sector organizations, voluntary action, or philanthropy. The NACC Curricular Guidelines provide model curricula for graduate and undergraduate degrees in nongovernmental/nonprofit/civil society/third sector studies. The guidelines focus on understanding the evolving role of the sector in different societies and cultures, on the governance, leadership, and management of sector organizations, and on resource development and philanthropy. The goal of the Guidelines is to provide a framework within which the study of our sector can be structured as either independent programs or embedded in existing programs such as public administration, political science, social work or business.

The revision process for the newest edition of both guidelines has been an extensive process. Last updated in 2015, the committee had several discussions about incorporating a different methodology than past iterations. It was decided to engage a team of graduate students to take on the project with the intent of balancing interviews of individuals and gathering public feedback from diverse stakeholders. Recommendations and options were gathered based on recommendations from focus groups, interviews, and academic research. In addition, the committee sought feedback to proposed changes through an open call survey and numerous conversations at professional meetings.

As part of the ongoing process to improve understand and ensure wide utilization, this session presents the result of that work and invites several panelists from various regions around the world to share their perspective on the guidelines.

References

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Sub Unit

• Teaching on the Third Sector

Discussants

• Bhekinkosi Moyo, Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment CAPSI

• Dipendra K C, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

• Pablo Baraldi Marsal, Universidad de Buenos Aires

• Mihai Lisetchi, West University of Timisoara

Moderator

• William Brown, Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy

Presenters

• Angela R Logan, The University of Notre Dame

• Peter C. Weber, Auburn University