Community Engagement

Addressing the needs and interests of our diverse communities locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.

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The University of Louisville understands that community engagement plays a critical role in enhancing academic quality while providing service to the community, and that public service reflects our mission to share the benefits of its research and knowledge for the public good. The focus areas for UofL's collaborative efforts are in the areas of educational attainment, economic development, health & quality of life, and social & human services.

The Office of Community Engagement is UofL’s central administrative office with a mission to facilitate the use of university knowledge and resources to support partnerships advancing the mutual needs of the community and the university. The office promotes transformative experiences for faculty, staff, and students through engaged scholarship, outreach, and service to address community issues in Louisville, across the region, and around the world.

 

students in the community

What is community engagement?

Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

 

The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.

A mission of engaged service and outreach

Community partnership and engaged service are core elements of the University of Louisville's mission. Whether it is working with students in local public schools, helping to provide services in underserved neighborhoods, or building stronger communities internationally, UofL is committed to collaborating with partners to improve quality of life in places both near and far. UofL Community Engagement activities break down into the following categories:

Partnership

Ongoing collaboration with community partners for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Click here for a list of recent major partnerships.

Outreach

Providing direct services, time, or resources to benefit a community or its institutions. This includes instances of public intellectualism such as talks, lectures, presentations, performances, etc. Learn more about the Office of Community Engagement’s annual outreach event Cards Come Together.

Curricular Engagement

Student involvement with external partners via coursework (community-based learning courses). Click here to see a list of community-based learning courses.

Engaged Scholarship

Faculty scholarly work done in full partnership with the community. It consists of research, teaching, and the application of scholarship for the mutual benefit of the institution and community partner. Click here for UofL’s Faculty Handbook on Community-Engaged Scholarship.

News

UofL is recognized for its exemplary community engagement work

Eboni Cochran receives 2023 award for Outstanding Community Partner

Eboni Cochran is the recipient of the 2023 UofL Outstanding Community Engagement Award for a Community Partner. Eboni is the is co-director of Rubbertown Emergency Action...


Dental student receives national honor for community service

Dental student receives national honor for community service

University of Louisville second-year dental student Kierra Dages is one of 11 dental students nationwide recognized for dedication to community service....

Community Engagement

University of Louisville

2323 S. Brook St.

Louisville, KY 40208

(502) 852-6026

ceserv@louisville.edu

Office Hours

M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm

No holiday hours


About us