Carnegie Foundation Recognizes Holy Cross for Commitment to Community Engagement

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross has been selected for inclusion in the 2008 Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, an independent policy and research center. The College is one of only 195 colleges and universities across the country to be named for this classification that recognizes campuses for strong curricular engagement, outreach initiatives and effective community partnerships

The Community Engagement Classification is earned after a rigorous application process.  Colleges must submit documentation describing the nature and extent of their connection to and involvement in the community beyond the campus, including learning opportunities for students, faculty teaching and research with community partners, campus service activities, and neighborhood relationships.  In 2006, 76 institutions were identified; this year the foundation added 119 U.S. colleges and universities to the classification.

In announcing the news, the Carnegie Foundation reported: “Holy Cross’ application documented excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy engagement.”

Community engagement is a priority at Holy Cross and an integral part of its Jesuit mission. The College has a robust community-based learning program; hundreds of students participate in service activities in Worcester through Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), the largest student-run organization on campus; and faculty and staff alike are involved in a multitude of civic initiatives and volunteer work.  Additionally, the College has an institutional commitment to partner with the City of Worcester, nonprofit organizations and businesses on initiatives that make a substantial difference in the quality of local life.

“The Jesuit ideal of engaged learning, done not purely for its own sake or the benefit of those who take part in it, but oriented to service of the larger community, is taken very seriously at Holy Cross,” said Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of the College.  “We are proud to be included in the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification, along with eight other Jesuit colleges and universities from across the country.  From our institutional commitment to the Worcester Tornadoes, the Hanover Theatre, the Nativity School of Worcester and the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corp., to the day-by-day work of individual students and staff throughout the city, Holy Cross is thoroughly engaged in helping to build a better community for all, especially those most in need.”

“The application process allowed us to take a comprehensive look at the extensive involvement of our students, faculty and staff within the Worcester community,” says Margaret Post, director of the Donelan Office of Community Based Learning at the College. “This designation celebrates the collective work of many stakeholders both on and off campus and highlights the strengths of our efforts.  It also offers us an opportunity to further deepen our partnerships and expand our engagement initiatives.”

In addition to highlighting curricular and co-curricular programs designed for community engagement, the application featured some of the College’s long standing partnerships including Abby’s House, Big Brother Big Sister of Central Mass, the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester, the Nativity School, the College Hill Civic Association, the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation and the Worcester Public Schools. It also featured newer partnerships with the Southeast Asian Coalition and Centro Las Americas.