TURLOCK – California State University, Stanislaus has been recognized once again for its active involvement with the region it serves, this time by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s 2008 Community Engagement Classification.
CSU Stanislaus is one of 119 universities and colleges, and one of only five in the California State University system that has received the honor of being added to Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement listing which recognizes the community connection activities of the nation’s higher education institutions. Some examples of the University’s community engagement activities include a home-based literacy program serving families challenged by poverty and language barriers, income tax preparation for low-income and migrant workers, presentations at elementary schools, and a study conducted by geography students that demonstrated the needs of residents in Modesto’s airport neighborhood.
“This recognition by the Carnegie Foundation places CSU Stanislaus among a very select group of universities,” said William Covino, Academic Vice President and Provost. “It recognizes the many ways in which we extend our commitment to teaching and learning to the issues and challenges that surround us, and help build solutions through scholarship and partnership.”
In joining the select list of universities selected for the honor, CSU Stanislaus drew praise for its excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.
Students and faculty at CSU Stanislaus engage the communities in the region through a variety of programs and issues such as literacy development, public policy, at-risk youth, healthy families, science education, environmental sustainability, and diversity. The University currently offers more than 50 courses per year that include service learning components which encourage students and faculty to become active participants in the region’s communities. More than 2,000 students have the opportunity to participate in community activities that include a variety of volunteer activities and services totaling more than 30,000 hours of service annually.
“This award honors the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and community members who work together to improve the quality of life in our region and to develop community-based learning opportunities for our students,” said Julie Fox, Service Learning Coordinator at CSU Stanislaus. “This recognition is evidence of the University’s commitment to the community and to the educational and professional development of graduates who are thoughtful and engaged citizens.”
Earlier this year, CSU Stanislaus was named to the Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The University was one of 14 CSU campuses selected for the award out of a field of more than 500 colleges and universities that submitted applications.
Launched in 2006, the President’s Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support innovative, effective, and exemplary community service programs. Other co-sponsors of the award include the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, Campus Compact, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.
