The Australian Consortium Project
Project rationale
Best practice in universities has largely been based on research and teaching. In recent times however, universities have been exhorted to shed their ‘ivory tower’ image and engage the communities in which they reside. Because of the recent attempts to incorporate community engagement policies into the everyday practice of universities, and because of the potential impacts - both positive and negative – on communities of these policies, it is important to assess the success of these initiatives. This longitudinal research will enable policy makers, academics and other large organisations to make informed decisions regarding their community engagement policies and activities in the future. It will also ask important questions, and offer recommendations, regarding the social responsibilities of large organisations that seek to 'engage' their local and broader constituent communities.
Benefits of the research
The focus of the project is to produce a snapshot of the social responsibility and community engagement policies and practices of universities, and to make recommendations on improving those policies and practices in universities, schools, further education institutions and other large organisations. The project will further our understanding of how universities can work collaboratively and equally to benefit their constituent communities.
For more information see paper in PDF format: Australian Universities as Sites of Citizenship and Civic Responsibility (Victoria)