Can civic engagement become a "core business" of the contemporary university, or is it an attractive "add-on" that is not affordable in the current economic climate? Contemporary universities often play an important role in local community development and, as such, have the opportunity to develop civic engagement strategies to sit alongside teaching and research strategies. Yet the contemporary university is also internationally engaged, and the strategy of educating graduates to become global citizens could also become part of the key functions of "socially embedded" universities. Ronaldo Munck explains how Dublin City University is attempting to negotiate the requirements of the economy with the demands of citizenship. (Contains 1 figure.)