Civic Learning & Engagement
Building on its impressive civic learning and engagement (CLE) foundation, FHSU was awarded the Carnegie Foundation’s elective classification for Leadership for Public Purpose in 2024. This classification acknowledges FHSU’s focus on leadership development for faculty, staff, and students; commitment to tackling complex societal issues; and deep understanding of leadership as a public good.
CLE at FHSU is where passion meets action – it’s about developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to strengthen communities through both political and non-political processes (Ehrlich, 2000).
Institutional Definition of Community Engagement
FHSU embraces the Carnegie Foundation's definition of community engagement which "describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good."
Watch the Academic Update with FHSU's Provost, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, as she shares information about the university's commitment to community engaged work!
FHSU's Civic Investment Plan
"Fort Hays State University has built an impressive civic learning and engagement foundation" (CIP, 2014, p.1) Based on an internal audit, an assessment of activities, and an external review of literature and best practices, the university published its Civic Investment Plan (CIP) in 2014.
Read the Investment Plan and learn more about how FHSU is promoting:
- the development of the "engaged scholar";
- an academic focus for civic learning and engagement;
- institutional intentionality;
- a comprehensive and cohesive approach to civic learning and engagement;
- a reciprocal partnership with our various communities;
- a framework for civic learning and engagement that educates for full citizenship;
- a campus structure and culture that models civic learning and engagement;
- and, civic learning strategies that address FHSU's diverse student population.
Unlocking Untapped Potential: A Strategic Plan
A focus on civic learning and engagement is supported through the university's Strategic Plan. Specifically, Goal 5: Community and Global Engagement of the Strategic Plan aims to cultivate impactful partnerships, internally, locally, nationally, and globally.
Learn more about the goals, outcomes, and strategies associated with the Fort Hays State University Strategic Plan.
Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications
The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching sponsors Elective Classifications for those institutions that have made extraordinary commitments to their public purpose. The Elective Classifications are managed on behalf of the Carnegie Foundation by an Elective Classification Central Office at the American Council on Education (ACE).
FHSU has been awarded the Leadership for Public Purpose elective classification (2024-2030) and is currently pursuing the Carnegie Foundation's elective classification for Community Engagement. This is a way for colleges and universities in the US to gain recognition for prioritizing and institutionalizing community engagement.
Honoring Omer G. Voss
In addition to a scholarship fund, the Omer G. Voss Endowed Professorship in Leadership Fund was established to select and retain outstanding faculty in Leadership Programs. Civic learning and engagement initiatives are supported thanks to the generosity of the Voss family.
News
- June 2024:
- FHSU receives Leadership for Public Purpose classification
- May 2024:
- FHSU junior Grace McCord named Newman Civic Fellow
- January 2024:
- Revamped Campus Community Collaborative involves FHSU and community partners
- April 2023:
- Ella Burrows Named Newman Civic Fellow
- May 2022:
- Cole Berry Named Newman Civic Fellow
- February 2022:
- Dr. Donnette Noble Receives Outstanding Service Award
- March 2021:
- Inaugural Advisory Board for Civic Learning and Engagement Announced
References
Ehrlich, T. (2000). Civic responsibility and higher education. Oryx.