New Book: New Directions in Civic Engagement: University Avenue Meets Main Street

Posted by on July 15, 2005

[posted from Higher Ed Service-Learning listserv]

New Directions in Civic Engagement: University Avenue Meets Main Street is a collection of essays by 20 experts in the fields of higher education and community development who describe how universities can play a greater role in civic affairs. The authors write that the civic role of universities has been reduced by too great an emphasis on acquiring specialized knowledge, a preoccupation with the bottom line among college presidents and other administrators, and a tenure system that does not reward community participation. They argue that if universities are to become re-engaged in solving public problems, faculty members and administrators must foster dialogue on social issues, engage in improving communities near their campuses, and provide students with opportunities to develop skills for civic participation. The authors all share the belief that the key mission of universities is to promote virtue, as well as knowledge.

Publisher: Pew Partnership for Civic Change, 804-971-2073; mail@pew-partnership.org; http://www.pew-partnership.org.

The full text PDF is available on the website above.

For more information on community-engaged scholarship, please visit http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/scholarship.html