Article
Shifting Engagement Efforts Through Disciplinary Departments: A Mistake or a Starting Point? A Cross-Institutional, Multidepartment Analysis
Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement
(2017)
Abstract
This article documents the innovative practices and initial outcomes
from the Grand Rapids Engaged Department Initiative,
a cross-institutional collaboration designed in response to the
failures of higher education to systematically engage in place.
Created to incentivize and resource systemic and cultural shifts
across three institutions of higher education in the region, the
initiative seeks to increase faculty knowledge and skills in community-
based teaching, foster inter- and intracollaborations,
expand students’ community-based learning opportunities, and
enhance community partnerships. Initial outcomes and stakeholder
perceptions are detailed using previous validated research
instruments and systemic action research practices. An examination
of the three institutions and the seven participating departments
reveals how structural and cultural barriers pose heavy
challenges to cross-institutional engagement; we also highlight
promising countermeasures for effecting change, including
inclusive visioning processes and accountability mechanisms.
Recommendations aim to support others’ efforts to generate and
sustain collaborative engagement.
Keywords
- engaged departments,
- community engagement,
- cross-institutional partnerships,
- place-based change
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall September, 2017
Citation Information
Danielle L Lake, Gloria Mileva, Heather Carpenter, Dillon Carr, et al.. "Shifting Engagement Efforts Through Disciplinary Departments: A Mistake or a Starting Point? A Cross-Institutional, Multidepartment Analysis" Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement Vol. 21 Iss. 3 (2017) p. 135 - 164 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/danielle_lake/38/