Tools of Engagement

Learning Modules on Engagement Competencies

In an effort to expand students' interest in civic engagement, the Tools of Engagement modules are being created for graduate and undergraduate students who wish to improve their practice abilities. The Tools are a series of learning modules on community engagement competencies. They provide engagement opportunities that are mutually beneficial to students and community partners.

The modules will be delivered face-to-face or through service-learning. The curriculum is designed to have students be involved in engagement projects that integrate experiential learning with critical reflection. Through a combination of integrated class work and engagement activities students will be encouraged to reflect on the principles, methods, meaning, and ethics of engagement. As a result of conversations with community partners, faculty leaders, mentors, and other students, students will reflect on the presuppositions, assumptions, and obstacles to engagement, especially those relating to trans-cultural differences and similarities.

The curriculum is currently in the development stage. It is being created by experienced practitioners and researchers who have worked in the university-community engagement field for many years and who previously worked in local, state, and national organizations.

The Tools of Engagement initiative is a collaboration between University-Community Partnerships, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and the National Center for the Study of University Engagement.

For more information about the Tools of Engagement, please contact:

• Robert Brown, Assistant Director, University-Community Partnerships, about engagement opportunities for communities
• Dozier Thornton, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, about the graduate curriculum modules
• Karen McKnight Casey, Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, about when or where the courses will be offered and student service-learning opportunities

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• National Center for the Study of University Engagement
  Michigan State University • Kellogg Center, Garden Level
  East Lansing, MI 48824-1022
  Phone: (517) 353-8977 • Fax: (517) 432-9541 • ncsue@msu.edu
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