Request Server from SC-10

ACU is committed to ensuring that all staff have the opportunity to make a contribution to their community that is feasible and meaningful to them, and that meets community needs in a way that is valuable and respectful. We encourage staff to source their own community engagement opportunities and foster their own relationships with community organisations.

It is recognised that ACU staff undertake community engagement outside of their normal work arrangements and that this takes many forms. The Community Engagement Time Release policy has been developed to support staff to participate in community engagement activities and outlines time release arrangements during normal working hours.

Read the policy

How does ACU define 'community engagement'?

ACU defines ‘community engagement’ as activities that build capacity and affirm human dignity through sustainable and reciprocal collaborations with communities who experience disadvantage or marginalisation.

Learn more

 

What qualifies for CETR?

As per ACU’s definition of community engagement, all community engagement time release activities must be in support of organisations that build capacity and affirm human dignity through sustainable and reciprocal collaborations with communities who experience disadvantage or marginalisation.

  • Homework support/tutoring programs for children from low Socioeconomic Status (SES) communities or other backgrounds of disadvantage.
  • International community development programs with ACU Engagement international partners and recommended organisations.
  • Programs providing education, training and support for those who are sleeping rough, have been incarcerated, are living in conditions of poverty, or have experienced domestic violence.
  • Programs providing education, training and support for refugee and newly arrived migrant communities, and members of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities who are socially isolated.
  • Social support programs supporting elderly people.
  • Programs supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • Activities and organisations supporting people with disabilities, mental health issues, or chronic illness.
  • Programs supporting those who are experiencing hardship or disadvantage (such as living with domestic violence or having an incarcerated parent or recognised carer).
  • Environmental causes
  • Animal welfare
  • Providing administrative support e.g. data entry for a community organisation
  • Fundraising

ACU recognises the importance of these activities, however as per ACU’s definition of community engagement and the criteria of the Community Engagement Time Release policy, all CETR activities must be in support of organisations that build capacity and affirm human dignity through sustainable and reciprocal collaborations with communities who experience disadvantage or marginalisation and the specific activities staff participate in must directly contribute to the common good, address social justice issues in the community, and help those in our communities who are experiencing disadvantage and/or marginalisation.

When assessing a potential CETR opportunity, ask yourself….

  • Does the organisation work with people who are experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation?
  • How do the organisation’s clients experience disadvantage or marginalisation?
  • How will this type of engagement build capacity or contribute to the community?
  • Will the organisation benefit from my contribution? Will I also learn something from the experience?
  • Do the people I’m working with have a say in how we work together?
  • Am I directly interacting with people in this role?

For guidance on whether the community engagement activity you propose to undertake supports the Mission of the University, prior to requesting community engagement time release, you should contact ACU Engagement.

acuengagement@acu.edu.au

How do I apply for CETR?

To apply, complete a ‘Community Engagement Time Release Application’ in Service Central using the link below.

Please include as much detail as possible to outline how the specific activity you will be undertaking directly contributes to the common good, addresses social justice issues in the community, and helps those in our communities who are experiencing disadvantage and/or marginalisation. For example, you may wish to apply for time release to participate as a board member for a non-for-profit organisation. In addition to describing the work of the organisation, you would also need to outline how your work as a board member builds capacity or contributes to the organisation.

You may not proceed on a community engagement activity until your application is endorsed by your nominated supervisor and approved by the Associate Director, ACU Engagement. You will be notified by email when the Associate Director has considered your application and either approved or declined your application.

Apply for CETR

 

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What is Community Engagement?

ACU defines ‘community engagement’ as activities that build capacity and affirm human dignity through sustainable and reciprocal collaborations with communities who experience disadvantage or marginalisation.

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As a Catholic university, we’re guided by our clear mission, strong sense of identity and firm set of values.

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ACU Engagement

Learn more about ACU Engagement, including our mission to provide meaningful engagement opportunities and how to contact us.

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