Portland State Portfolio | Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement

Community Partners

PSU maintains a data base containing a broad range of community partnerships across the region.

Civic Engagement Recognition

PSU recognizes accomplishments in service learning and civic engagement through annual awards.

Civic Engagement on Campus

"...as a former law school dean and current president of a large urban university, I find it a natural fit to lead my institution in the exploration of civic engagement."

...read the interview (.pdf file)

PSU President, Daniel O. Bernstine (Interview in the ABA journal, Focus on Law Studies)

Education and engagement enable civil society

Every academic department at PSU has a character of civic engagement. Academic subjects of all kinds cross boundaries and unite voices in the local community and from remote locations. Education in all respects is the foundation of civilization.

By promoting civic engagement, we encourage individuals and organizations to become actively involved in public and community affairs. PSU actively promotes civic engagement in all academic activities, throughout the institution, by encouraging collaborations with diverse communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other educational institutions.

With a universal view at some level, from neighborhood to global society, civic engagement aims to improve society, enhance the public good, and promote social justice. A civically educated and engaged citizen is one who is skilled in coalition building, collaboration, negotiation, and synthesis of multiple perspectives.

The website for the Center for Academic Excellence contains information and resources on civic engagement, including a description of the Minor in Civic Leadership offered through the Hatfield School of Government.

Center for Academic Excellence: Civic Engagement

Curriculum activates civic networks

Community engagement is represented in the curriculum in many academic areas, and specifically in designated community-based learning and capstone courses, sponsored by the Center for Academic Excellence. Representing the entire campus, CAE works to enhance faculty scholarship, and works with faculty to develop ongoing and reciprocal relationships with community partners.

Diverse programs achieve civic goals

Prominent examples of civic engagement at PSU include the Center for Excellence in Writing, the Food Industry Management Program and the Institute for Metropolitan Studies, and more.. Many wide-ranging and successful community partnerships have been enacted. Find examples in the menu of links on this page.

For more information on civic engagement and community partnerships, visit the Center for Academic Excellence's website, phone 503-725-5642, or e-mail CAE.