Center for Studies in Higher Education

Civic engagement is moving to the forefront of higher education discussions as universities seek ways not only to intensify students’ learning experiences but also to forge stronger links with the communities they are meant to serve. Within the University of California system, there are already multiple examples of service-learning, university-community partnerships, and volunteer initiatives.

In June 2005, faculty, academic staff, and student representatives from across the University of California system gathered at a symposium held on the Berkeley campus to discuss and analyze the important interface of civic and academic engagement, and to explore ways to further expand civic engagement as a core component in the University of California’s teaching, research, and public service mission. This document provides a summary of the proceedings for that symposium.