Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

"This recognition reflects how deeply community engagement is woven into UNCW’s mission, culture and everyday work across our university.”

- Chancellor Aswani K. Volety, January 2026

What is the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement?

The Carnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement is a framework for recognizing institutional commitment to community engagement and community-engaged scholarship. It is the most rigorous evaluation of community engagement available in higher education. 

Earning this elective classification requires a comprehensive, evidence-based self-study documenting institutional practices and policies that demonstrate a commitment to community engagement. The self-study process, in turn, clarifies areas in which the institution can deepen its commitment to continuous improvement. 

The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) 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.

Why is the Carnegie Classification important?

Soaring higher with our strategic plan: UNCW understands that collaborative partnerships – both internal and external to campus – are critical for achieving our university mission. Simply put, we work better when we work together. We see the future of higher education as one:

• where community relationships spur innovation, creativity, and problem-solving;
• where authentic engagement with the community leads to new learning opportunities;
• and where partners in our mission help achieve our goals in mutually beneficial ways.

Building on our successes with our community partners while finding new opportunities for growth: UNCW faculty, staff, students, and community partners invested significant time and effort to compile the detailed documentation for our application, including community partner surveys and focus groups, historical and archival data collection, and writing and editing the final version of the submission. The process of completing the application confirmed our commitment to the broader community and alignment with the UNCW Strategic Plan.

Collaboration and reciprocity: The foundation of community engagement is collaboration and reciprocity. UNCW seeks community engagement that is grounded in respect, partnership, and mutual benefit in order to understand and collaboratively address our shared concerns.