Campus and Community Context for Engagement

Why This Matters

Effective community engagement must be grounded in a clear understanding of an institution’s mission, history, and values. It also depends on understanding the social, economic, cultural, and geographic contexts of the communities the institution serves. Without this grounding, engagement can become disconnected from institutional purpose and community priorities.

Clarifying who the institution is, where it is situated, and how it understands community engagement creates a foundation for intentional and accountable practice. Attention to context helps institutions recognize barriers to participation. It also supports alignment of infrastructure and resources and enables thoughtful responses to external events.

Carnegie Framework Core Components

Standards for Practice

Clear Description of Institution and Community
- Document mission, history, demographics, and community context.
- Ensure documentation of community demographics or geographics information for prioritized communities.
Institutional Definition of Community Engagement
- Use the institutional definition of community engagement consistently across units and departments.
Assuring Opportunities and Access
- Find opportunities to enhance community engagement efforts across all stakeholder groups.
- Reduce barriers and increase opportunities for community participation within programs, policies, and practices.
Coordinating Infrastructure
- Ensure clear structures to support community engagement, including staffing, volunteers, resources, support, and funding.
Budget and Fundraising
- Allocate permanent funding and pursue external grants to support community engagement
- Track and report on budget allocations, external funding, and fundraising efforts related to community engagement.
- Establish clear guidance for securing funding and resources to support community engagement.
Impact of External Events
- Document adjustments and adaptations of community engagement strategies in response to contextual factors and events.
Track and Assessment
- Collect, use, and report engagement data using the Engaged KU Community Check Box at the institutional and unit level.