Metropolitan State University of Denver is applying for an Elective Classification for Community Engagement designation with the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education for the 2026 cycle. The Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. Elective Classifications are earned by institutions that have made extraordinary commitments to their public purpose.
Elizabeth Parmelee, Ph.D., associate vice president of Undergraduate Studies, has asked Vincent Piturro, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of English, to spearhead the extensive application process, which is still in the beginning stages. In fall, a task force will be formed to gather input and information from the entire MSU Denver campus community.
“The process is the prize,” said Piturro. “Applying for this designation will encourage faculty members to include community engagement in their syllabi and pedagogy, thereby increasing the University’s presence in the community while giving students another positive activity and outcome.”
To highlight the important work already underway on campus, Faculty Affairs is accepting applications for the 2023 Faculty Affairs Civic and Community-Engaged Excellence Awards. Two faculty members — one from Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty and one from Category II/Affiliate Faculty — will receive a $1,500 prize, recognizing their outstanding faculty engagement in the civic and community space with an emphasis on connecting their work to student learning. Faculty members are encouraged to nominate themselves or a fellow faculty member by May 15.
“This effort will create a win-win-win for our University and builds on the individual and collaborative efforts that many of us have already undertaken and of which we are rightfully proud,” said Piturro.
Keep an eye out for future communications to learn how to get involved. And for more information, contact Vincent Piturro.
The Carnegie Foundation’s definition of community engagement
The foundation defines community engagement as: “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 foundation continues: “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.”
