Institutional and Unit-Level Identity and Culture


Why This Matters

Community engagement is sustained when embedded in institutional and unit-level identity and culture. Leadership support and visible institutional messaging signal that engagement is a university priority and a vital component of research and teaching commitments.

When engagement is reflected in strategic priorities, it shapes norms and decision-making across the institution. This cultural integration supports long-term investment in community-engaged work and reinforces the institution’s public purpose.

Standards for Practice

  • Leadership Commitment
    • Show support for community engagement in addresses, speeches, publications, or policies from leadership.
  • Branding and Messaging
    • Feature engagement in branding through official messaging, unit identity, or in describing frameworks/approaches used. 

Resources for Implementing the Standards

Resources for implementing the standards to come!

Resources from the Community Tool Box

Explore these resources from the Community Tool Box