Tools, resources & approaches to crafting a successful Carnegie

Classification application

Ohio Campus CompactState ConferenceAugust 7, 2013Denison University

Goals

• Offer overview of Classification• Offer “on the ground” perspectives and

tips from institutions that previously received classification• Review available & tools resources• ID next steps for your campus

•QUICK POLL

QUICK introductions

• Name • Institution• If it is a first-time application or re-

classification; and • Your role in the process…and where

that process stands currently

Brief History

• 2006 – First elective classification • 2008• 2010• 2015

Next Classification: 2020

May 30, 2012

Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

• A Benchmarking Tool:• Mainly descriptive• Self-reported data/information• Institutions evaluate various aspects of their

processes in relationship to standards of best practice (Documentation Framework)

• Not a ranking tool – no hierarchy or levels of classification

May 30, 2012

Institutional Motivation

• Institutional self-assessment & self-study• Legitimacy• Accountability• Catalyst for Change• Institutional Identity

*QUICK POLL*

2010 Classification

• 305 campuses expressed an intent to apply and received the application

• 154 campuses submitted an application (151 campuses withdrew)

• 115 received the classification

Systematic Assessment

• “Does the institution maintain systematic campus-wide tracking or documentation mechanisms to record and/or track engagement with the community?”

General Application Tips

• Never too early to start• Write cohesively and with one voice• If something doesn’t exist, address how you plan to

remedy it• Write up to the maximum character count, but don’t be

redundant• Describe who your students are• Reviewers may not be familiar with tribal, community,

or technical colleges, so spell out and define particular programs and courses

Impact of the application and classification

• Provides a framework for understanding all service learning and civic engagement activities/initiatives on campus

• Legitimizes activities related to service learning and civic engagement and demonstrates the institution’s accountability to these efforts

• Documents the college’s impact and value to the community which can lead to broader participation in programming

• Characterizes a college as being civically engaged, which helps with future grant funding, branding, and community outreach efforts

• Creates a positive institutional identity that everyone can share and celebrate

Long term impact of the application and classification

• Changes in institutional culture Committee still meets Course designations for service learning or civic engagement Increased collaboration “Active learning, community engagement, civic engagement is

more desirable and acceptable now.”• Alignment of community engagement with mission• Learned more about institution and colleagues• Identification of what more needs to be done

Resources

• Campus Compact pre-recorded webinar• Sample applications at: compact.org &

ohiocampuscompact.org • NERCHE: www.nerche.org• Campus Compact virtual learning

community starting in September

May 30, 2012