Public universities hold a pivotal role in solving local and regional challenges through meaningful engagement that elevates communities and builds better environments for all. Community engagement extends beyond the walls of the institution through the promotion of active and immersive experiences that create sustained impact.
At Kent State, community engagement provides dynamic, generative learning and research experiences that bolster equity and improve the overall health, safety, and economic prosperity of local, regional and global communities. This is accomplished through intentional, ongoing partnerships with students, staff, community partners and faculty to co-construct reciprocal outcomes for the betterment of society.
The primary emphasis of community engagement in the Academic Affairs plan is to know, measure and tell stories of community; establish our role as a regional anchor institution; recognize community engagement system-wide as an essential component of lifelong learning; and apply the principles of inclusion and equity in all facets of experiential and community-engaged learning opportunities.
The following objectives and strategies align with the university’s core values to cultivate engagement that inspires positive change.
Objectives
- Document and increase community engagement efforts through community-based scholarship, partnerships, leadership experiences and credit-bearing options.
Strategies
- Map the ways in which Kent State is engaging with local and regional communities.
- Recognize the community engagement efforts and contributions of faculty and staff.
- Expand opportunities for Kent State students to fully participate in civic- and community-based learning experiences.