“Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.” (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education)
“Community engagement refers to research, creative activities, teaching, and service activities that are collaboratively undertaken by UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and/ or students in partnership with community members. Engaged activities are defined by reciprocal relationships between university and community partners in which all participants recognize and value the knowledge, perspective, and resources that partners contribute to the collaboration. The “community” in community engagement is broadly defined to include individuals, groups, and organizations external to campus that use collaborative processes for the purpose of contributing to the public good.” (UNC Charlotte)
RISING members Brisa Hernandez and Claire Schuch at a MAPPR community health fair
RISING members Heather Smith and Maren Coffman presenting community-engaged research
RISING members Silva Mathema, Owen Furuseth, Paul McDaniel, Brisa Hernandez and Heather Smith at the Race, Ethnicity and Place conference
