Full Participation: Building the Architecture for Diversity and Community Engagement in Higher Education

Abstract

This catalyst paper offers a framework for connecting a set of conversations about change in higher education that often proceed separately but need to be brought together to gain traction within both the institutional and national policy arenas. The aim is to integrate projects and people working under the umbrella of equity, diversity, and/or inclusion with those working under the umbrella of community, public, and/or civic engagement. Further, the purpose of this paper is to integrate both of these change agendas with efforts on campus to address the access and success of traditionally underserved students, in hopes of connecting efforts targeting students, faculty, and broader communities in each of these arenas. The authors offer an approach that situates the integration of these three change agendas squarely within the core values and mission of higher education.