Faculty & Staff
Faculty
The Office of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships supports faculty members at Bethune-Cookman University who wish to incorporate community-based learning into their teaching and research. Our office helps develop service-learning courses, build community partnerships, and conduct community-based research at no cost to the community. Community engagement improves teaching, enhances student learning, increases the impact of research, and aligns with our school's mission. Our office helps faculty establish meaningful connections between academic work and community needs.
The Office will:
- Provide consultation on designing and implementing service-learning courses aligned with your learning objectives
- Connect you with community partners whose missions align with your course content and research interests
- Provide professional development through workshops, conferences, and peer learning communities
- Recognize excellence in community-engaged scholarship through awards and public acknowledgment
Staff
The Office of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships encourages staff involvement in community engagement activities. Staff members bring valuable professional expertise, institutional knowledge, and community connections that enhance our partnerships and programs, ultimately benefiting our community. Staff can participate in the community through:
- Volunteer coordination for departmental or university-wide service events
- Skills-based volunteering that applies your professional expertise to community needs
- Advisory roles serving on nonprofit boards or community committees
- Event planning support for community engagement activities
- Mentorship programs connecting staff with community members or students
- Partnership development leveraging your professional networks for community benefit
What Can the Office Do for Staff?
The Office of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships can:
- Connect you with volunteer opportunities that match your skills and interests.
- Provide information about community organizations and partnership opportunities.
- Facilitate group volunteer projects for your department or office.
- Offer training on effective community engagement practices.
- Recognize your contributions through service awards and public acknowledgment.
- Support your professional development in community engagement and civic leadership.
Expectations and Policies
- All community engagement activities must be coordinated through the Office of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships to ensure proper liability coverage and effective partnership management.
- Staff participating in community engagement on university time should obtain supervisor approval.
- Community engagement activities should align with university policies and values.
- Staff should respect the needs, timelines, and cultural contexts of community partners.
Supporting Community Engagement
Faculty & Staff members can support community engagement in multiple ways:
- Financial Support: Make a gift to community engagement programs through payroll deduction or a one-time donation.
- In-Kind Donations: Contribute supplies, equipment, or resources needed for service projects.
- Volunteer Coordination: Help organize departmental service events.
- Community Connections: Connect the office with community organizations and professional networks.
