Core Issue Four - Civic Engagement: Integrating Campus and Community Initiatives Through the Concept of Communiversity
(WASC Standard: 1, 2, 4; University Goal 4, 6)

Executive Summary

 

Question One: What is the impact of community-based learning and Communiversity-based (Civic Engagement) activities on our students and the communities that we serve?

The University’s Mission and Strategic Plan Goal 4 support the University’s responsibility to deepen students’ understanding of and commitment to democratic citizenship in a multicultural society through participation in community activities. Evidence of this commitment to civic engagement is documented in the Goals of the Campus Strategic Plan for Civic Engagement 2008-2011: Goal 1 - Advance institutionalization of civic engagement in campus culture and infrastructure and Goal 2 - Establish annual procedures for assessment, measurement and recognition of campus-wide civic engagement progress.

To reach these goals and to respond to the researchable question for Civic Engagement, the WASC Sub-Committee on Civic Engagement developed a plan of action that included an exploration of campus-wide activities and a community survey. Gathering evidence to document the impact of civic engagement activities on students, faculty, and staff is a continuous process.

Two major campus activities initiated the campus-wide effort to discover and document civic-engagement related activities: (a) the SG-4 Community Survey to provide evidence from businesses, civic organizations, health agencies, and education settings in the surrounding community; and (b) a campus-wide inventory of civic engagement related activities. Results from these activities guided the University’s effort to meet the expected outcomes for this core issue.

Diversity and Civic Engagement share common attributes and evidence sources for documenting the impact on the campus learning community. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative data analysis from campus and national surveys (mentioned under Core Issue 3), the BEAMS 5-Year Initiative and Economic Impact Report support the University’s responsibility to deepen students’ understanding of and commitment to democratic citizenship in a multicultural society through participation in community activities. Evidence from the RSCAAP/WASC-funded research projects, Civic Engagement Town Hall panel responses, Poster Session abstracts, Service Learning Annual Report, University Advancement activities, and Chancellor’s Office Outreach Activities Report document the impact of such activities on the campus learning community. The Office of Alumni Relations advances the University by promoting the common interests of current students and alumni and serves as liaison to alumni and the community.

Dedication to providing opportunities for lifelong learning to broaden community engagement is established through courses offering service learning, field experience, and internships. Additionally, campus organizations provide opportunities for students to volunteer in the community and serve on community committees. Although the campus is striving to increase the breadth and depth of its efforts to document the impact of its civic engagement activities, much more is needed.