Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement

Posted by on March 05, 2012

Classification Description
Community Engagement Elective Classification

The classification for Community Engagement is an elective classification, meaning it is based on voluntary participation by institutions. Whereas the Foundation’s all-inclusive classifications involve secondary analysis of existing national data sources available for all institutions, elective classifications involve additional data collection and documentation, with substantial effort invested by participating institutions. Elective classifications enable the Foundation’s classification system to recognize important aspects of institutional mission and action that are not represented in the national data.

Because of their voluntary nature, elective classifications do not represent a comprehensive national assessment: an institution’s absence from the Community Engagement classification should not be interpreted as reflecting a judgment about the institution’s commitment to its community.

http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/descriptions/community_engagement.php