Assessing Michigan State University’s Efforts to Embed Engagement across the Institution: Findings and ChallengesAssessing Michigan State University’s Efforts to Embed Engagement across the Institution: Findings and Challenges

Abstract

This article describes how Michigan State University
developed and implemented an institutional framework that
identifies outreach and engagement as a scholarly, crosscutting
function. These efforts sought to elevate the valuation of
outreach and engagement across the institution and to ensure
that outreach and engagement complemented the other
professional responsibilities of faculty. The article also
describes how the institution is beginning to assess the impact
of those efforts on faculty attitudes and behavior. Preliminary
findings suggest that while institution-level support is
necessary, outreach and engagement will not flourish at
research universities until academic units interpret and align
the institutional framework with faculty efforts in ways
appropriate to their disciplines. Efforts also must be taken to
ensure that the faculty reward system encourages outreach and
engagement.