Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is pursuing the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification by demonstrating an institution-wide commitment to reciprocal partnerships, measurable community impact, and the integration of engagement across teaching, research, and service. This page outlines our guiding values, governance and implementation approach, a phased plan, and the key focus areas that anchor both our application and ongoing practice.

Guiding Principles

Our approach is anchored by five core values that ensure meaningful, equitable, and lasting impact:

• Reciprocity: Community engagement efforts reflect mutual benefit and shared outcomes.

• Institutional Alignment: Engagement in mission, strategy, and operations.

• Evidence-Based: Assessment and documentation reflect measurable impact.

• Inclusivity: Engagement spans all colleges, divisions, and community partners.

• Sustainability: Initiatives are built for long-term continuation and growth.

Key Focus Areas

Institutional Identity and Commitment

We will demonstrate alignment between engagement and APSU’s identity and strategy.

• Integrate engagement explicitly into the mission and strategic plan.

• Document leadership statements, resource allocation, and governance structures that support engagement.

Curricular Engagement

We will strengthen learning that connects students with community needs.

• Integrate service-learning and community-based learning into curricula.

• Provide faculty development and recognition for engaged teaching and scholarship.

Outreach and Partnerships

We will formalize and document reciprocal, co-created partnerships.

• Maintain inventories of partnerships and their shared outcomes.

• Incorporate community input through advisory structures and shared governance models.

Institutional Tracking and Assessment

We will build robust systems to track activities and outcomes.

• Implement data systems for engagement activities, participation, and impact.

• Assess community benefits and student learning outcomes; share results campus-wide.

Faculty, Staff, and Student Support

We will align policies, incentives, and opportunities with engagement goals.

• Recognize engagement in tenure/promotion and annual review policies.

• Expand student leadership roles and co-curricular engagement opportunities.

Communication and Public Accountability

We will transparently share impact and recognize contributions.

• Publish engagement reports and highlight outcomes via media and campus channels.

• Celebrate partners and exemplars through recognition programs and events.