Why do you value community-university engagement? Why is it important for UBC?
We are asking people for their take on why community engagement is vital for them and for UBC. Here are some of the responses we’ve heard to date.
It’s a catalyst for change at all levels (local, regional, global).
We are all part of the same community and all have something to contribute and learn.
It models inclusivity (if done well).
It is the most meaningful way for university to share their knowledge and expertise. It gives purpose to what we are learning.
Community engagement normalizes university experience connects university with reality and doing meaningful real world work.
Merging 2 knowledges; the university is wealthy in power, structure, time, knowledge. The community is wealthy in connection, knowledge, social power, sway.
It creates an opportunity for different entities to share their successes for them to thrive as a cumulative body.
It builds capacity of community at UBC.
Opens up minds, fresh ideas, dialogue, new discoveries and way of thinking (going in either direction).
Human element – personal impacts of community.
Because UBC needs to stay connected to communities in order to stay relevant to them, and the rest of the world.
Because it helps to lift up communities so that they can benefit from the knowledge they help to pay for and contribute to.
Finding a voice within 60,000 other individuals, being encouraged and have the support to create an impact.
We live in a context not a bubble; need to be responsive to that.
We can have a greater impact on improving the world.
Community funds us (directly & indirectly).
Because there is great and varied experiential widom in community that UBC can learn from.
There’s more university experience then just education.
Help push society, collectively to better place.
Increases relevance & purpose of what we do.
Long-term for the future.
Increases relevance & purpose of what we do.
