Carnegie Community Engagement Re-Classification
An elective classification that provides an independent and rigorous assessment of MCW’s commitment and excellence in community engagement.
What is Community Engagement?
The MCW OCE utilizes the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's definition:
Community Engagement is the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional, state, national, global) for mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity."
About the Classification
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is an elective classification that recognizes academic institutions for a deep commitment to community engagement and provides an independent and rigorous assessment of an institution’s commitment and excellence in community engagement.
The classification acknowledges universities that excel in fostering meaningful, sustained partnerships with communities, emphasizing mutual benefit and reciprocity.
learn more about the classification
History of Carnegie at MCW
- MCW is one of only five medical schools in the U.S. that has received this prestigious recognition, illustrating MCW’s dedication to community engagement, one of its four missions.
- MCW was originally classified in 2015 and is currently applying for re-classification in 2026.
- The Office of Community Engagement, led by Staci Young, PhD, senior associate dean for community engagement, is facilitating the institutional application.
Rationale
- Institutional Identity - distinguishes the institution from peers.
- Institutional Self-assessment and Self-study - can serve as a catalyst for change.
- Advances a unified agenda and identifies promising practices that can be shared across the institution.
- Accountability for excellence in community engagement.
- Demonstrates that the institution is fulfilling its mission to serve the public good.
- Fosters institutional alignment for community-based teaching, learning, and scholarship or interdisciplinary leadership development.
Application Process
- The classification evaluates three main aspects of MCW’s community engagement efforts:
- Depth of community engagement systems and relationships.
- Pervasiveness of community engagement throughout the institution.
- Integration of community engagement as a core value and strategic mission.
- Application deadline: April 1, 2025
- Notification of classification: December 2025
- Public announcement for designated campuses: January 2026
More Information
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