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Community Engagement

ACU explicitly engages the social, ethical and religious dimensions of the questions it faces in teaching and research, and service
Australian Catholic University explicitly engages the social, ethical and religious dimensions of the questions it faces in teaching and research, and service. In its endeavours, it is guided by a fundamental concern for justice and equity, and the dignity of all human beings.
Australian Catholic University Mission Statement

Community Engagement

Community Engagement 1

Community engagement is seen as a core function of ACU supported through appropriate policies, planning, structures and personnel to ensure effectiveness.

ACU recognises that through community engagement, we contibute to:

  • the common good,
  • promote engaged citizenship and
  • enriching our learning, teaching and research endeavours.
Source: Howard, P., Gervasoni, A., & Butcher, J. (2007). Implementing a university paradigm for effective community engagement. Paper presented to the Australian Association of Research in Education, Fremantle.

Context

Community Engagement 2

Australia, and the rest of the world, are in the midst of a profound economic and social transformation where it is inappropriate for citizens to be marginalised, poor and disadvantaged.

It is critical for Australia to seek ways to connect the disconnected and marginalised citizens among us. Universities, as public sites for education and research, have a pivotal role to play in this regard.

The opportunities afforded by community engagement for enabling the learning, teaching and research activities of universities to inform public policy, need to be developed in ways which enable these institutions to be critically involved in shaping Australia's social and economic structures so as to assist people and communities in moving beyond disadvantage.

Australian Catholic University's Distinctive Community Engagement

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