| Abstrakt: |
This article discusses university efforts to institutionalise community engagement. A seminal study conducted by the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities expressed concern over the unresponsiveness of institutions of higher education to community issues. Land-grant institutions were established to educate individuals for democracy by increasing access to a university education. University resources provided support for local problem-solving. Over the years the mission diverged to one of careerism for students and competitive global research agendas. In 1999 the Kellogg Commission recommended that universities once again become engaged with citizens. Nothing short of culture change serves such an initiative. Tools to facilitate such engagement are discussed, including a methodology to define collaborative projects, a process to assess community and university strengths, and creative funding opportunities for these initiatives. |
