This year again, the University of Rochester was well-represented at Campus Compact’s Annual Conference in Chicago. For context, Campus Compact is the longest-standing association in higher education dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education. The conference theme of this year was “Hope Found Here: Advancing Civic and Community Engagement through Compassion, Action & Unity.”
The conference sold out and had the largest gathering ever, over 900 professionals, leaders, and students. The team at the University of Rochester included Vice President for Community Partnerships, Dr. Shaun Nelms; Assistant Dean and Director, Glenn Cerosaletti; and Associate Director of Community Engagement & Adjunct Faculty, Dr. Halima Therese Gbaguidi.
Prior to the start of Compact26, the team attended a meeting of The Research University Civic Engagement Network (TRUCEN). TRUCEN allows active Campus Compact members which are research universities to share information, perspectives, and tactics for how they can promote civic engagement on their campuses and in their communities. Day 1 of TRUCEN (March 14) focused on new member orientation and networking, followed by an opening plenary cocktail reception and a welcome dinner at the Chicago Regency Hotel.
On Day 2 of TRUCEN, Dr. Nelms and Glenn joined the TRUCEN for a full day gathering at the Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. After a welcome from the TRUCEN leadership committee, Campus Compact executive director, Bobbie Laur, moderated a panel including representatives from UCLA, University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University to discuss how community engagement professionals at those institutions–each of which was a focal point in federal enforcement efforts–have navigated the challenges. The group then broke into different deep-dive workshop sessions to discuss “civic and community engagement during turbulent times.” Members in their respective workshops came together to discuss, address, and share insights into the most pressing issues in their collective work.
Dr. Gbaguidi spent the full day with her Engaged Scholar Initiative (ESI) cohort for the closing retreat. For context, ESI is a one-year, cohort-based leadership and professional development program for early-career faculty and staff meant to strengthen their community-engaged scholarship and effectiveness as civic engagement practitioners. It was a moment of learning, reflection, and community-engaged practice, with knowledge sharing. Dr. Gbaguidi also shared a glimpse of the Network Action Groups she has been co-leading, focusing on “Documenting the Exciting Higher Education Landscape.” The group later went for lunch.
On Day 1 of Compact26, Dr. Gbaguidi experienced a heartfelt reunion, reconnecting with professionals, friends and collaborators she had met since attending her first Campus Compact conference. She participated in meaningful discussions with scholars and professionals involved in higher education and community-based work. Halima also took the opportunity to highlight the impactful initiatives at the University of Rochester’s Center for Community Engagement. Additionally, she interviewed with Campus Compact to share her experiences and the significance of their work in higher education.
Glenn attended a pre-conference workshop that showcased the work of Campus Compact’s student design fellows, which gave helpful suggestions from current students and recent graduates about how students can power strategic change in community engagement. He also attended a workshop led by Dr. Thomas Schnaubelt of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University about the civic profile tool that he and others have developed.
Day 2 of Compact26 conference was a standout moment as the University of Rochester and the Rochester City School District’s East (RCSD) community were honored with the Campus Compact Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding higher education programs that collaborate with community partners to tackle complex social issues, promote equity, and foster lasting change. Dr. Nelms accepted the award on behalf of both the University and RCSD.
Glenn was pleased to attend a networking meeting of professionals focused on political engagement and voter education, which was convened by the All-in Campus Democracy Challenge, which is led by Dr. Jen Domagal Goldman, a URochester alum from the class of 2000. In summary, the TRUCEN and Compact26 events provided an excellent opportunity to engage with industry professionals while highlighting the University of Rochester’s significant contributions as an R1 institution. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to advancing higher education and fostering community engagement nationwide.
In summary, the TRUCEN and Compact26 events provided an excellent opportunity to engage with industry professionals while highlighting the University of Rochester’s significant contributions as an R1 institution. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to advancing higher education and fostering community engagement nationwide.
written by Dr. Halima Gbaguidi, CCE’s Associate Director and Adjunct Faculty & Glenn Cerosaletti, Assistant Dean and Director of CCE