Community engagement

At ACU we value community engagement as a key means of advancing our mission in serving the common good and enhancing the dignity and wellbeing of people and communities. It is integral to our teaching, learning and research.

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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ACU can offer support to your organisation

ACU has a nationwide network of over 35,000 people that could bring capacity to your organisation. We invite community organisations supporting those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation to consider a partnership with us.

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Meet the ACU Engagement team

We support, encourage, facilitate, promote and champion community engagement at ACU. Meet the team, find out how to contact us, and learn more about our mission to provide meaningful engagement opportunities.

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Community engagement opportunities

At ACU we’re committed to ensuring that all students and 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.

Community engagement placement

ACU students participate in a community engagement placement as part of our Core Curriculum. It’s a unique and invaluable learning experience in service to the common good.

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Browse community engagement opportunities

Browse our listing of community engagement placement opportunities to find one that’s right for you – whether it’s tutoring, developing a strategic plan or serving meals.

Browse student opportunities

Get ready for your placement

Get the most out of your community engagement experience by being prepared. Find answers to your frequently asked questions, read ACU's policies and procedures and learn about your pre-requisite requirements.

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Community engagement time release (CETR)

As an ACU staff member you can apply for community engagement time release to participate in approved community engagement activities during your normal work hours.

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Browse community engagement opportunities

Browse our listing of CETR approved community engagement opportunities to find one that’s right for you or your team – whether it’s tutoring, packing food or serving meals.

Browse staff opportunities

Undertake research with community

Academic staff can apply to work on a community-initiated research project and lend their expertise to help address real-world problems identified by community organisations.

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Supported community engagement programs

Get a snapshot of recent programs formed in collaboration with our community partners, from sports programs in Queensland to homework clubs in Victoria.

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Community initiated research

The Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU) provides scholarly expertise and research assistance to organisations working in areas that are central to ACU’s Mission and ethos as a Catholic university. Through the facilitation of community-initiated research projects, we can help inform, shape, evaluate and develop your programs and services.

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Clemente Australia

At ACU, we're proud to support and host Clemente Australia. This program aims to empower Australians experiencing challenging life circumstances and to break cycles of poverty, inequality and injustice. Clemente Australia is an academically approved university course for Australians who would otherwise be excluded from tertiary education opportunities.

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Meet Campus Ministry

Our teams work to build an inclusive student community and encourage you to see the world in new and different ways.

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Mission, identity and values

Discover our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

Read our mission

Research engagement

ACU research engages communities, government, industry and the non-for-profit-sector to create real and sustainable impacts.

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Discover the Core Curriculum

See the world in new ways with our Core Curriculum, designed to give you the time to reflect on how to improve your world. 

Explore the Core

Have a question?

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