ERIC Number: EJ1002289
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0318-9090
EISSN: N/A
Creating a Common Space for Community Engagement
McRae, Heather
Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education, v38 n1 Spr 2012
The increased interest in community engagement within higher education provides new opportunities for examining the role of university continuing education (UCE) units in relation to their participation in community university partnerships. This article is based on findings from a qualitative study that used a social theory lens to examine the perspectives and ideas of representatives from the university and the community relating to their experiences and interests in participating in collaborations in support of the social good. While the respondents from community-based research and community organizations identified few constraints affecting their involvement in these kinds of partnerships, the UCE study participants described a number of issues that affected their participation, such as an emphasis on revenue generation and the lack of organizational support for engagement. Considerations for supporting a common space for engagement involving UCE professionals include the development of a partnership model, the adoption of an asset-based approach, affiliations with national organizations and networks, seeking external visibility and recognition, and using social theories to guide the development of community engagement practices. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Continuing Education, Social Theories, Community Development, Community Organizations, National Organizations, Community Involvement, Partnerships in Education, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, School Community Relationship, Cooperation, Participation
Canadian Association for University Continuing Education. c/o CAUCE Secretariat at Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, 475 Williams Building, 221 Cumberland Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1M3, Canada. Tel: 306-966-5582; Fax: 306-966-5590; e-mail: cauce.secretariat@usask.ca; Web site: http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjuce-rcepu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A