What is Carnegie Community Engaged Classification?

The classification is a national comprehensive self-study that asks us to audit, assess and advance how we strategically implement community engagement across our mission and function - research, discovery, student learning, engagement/service partnerships and their impacts - at campus and unit levels.

Why Are We Doing This?

  • Celebrates our History and Identity, from the Wayne Commission which created VCU as an Urban serving institution to being awarded the first Carnegie Community Engaged Classification in 2005 when the program was launched, then reclassified in 2015.
  • Honors our Strategic Commitments and Holds us Accountable to the community, our community partners and our principles and values documented in Quest 2028 Thriving Community Goals, VCU Health’s Quest 2028, OVPRI’s research priorities and individual unit commitments.
  • Achieves our Goals, Current Work and Outcomes including transformative learning, internships, partner priority communities, the Repositioning Task Force. 
  • Helps us to Adapt to our Changing World, where the public is questioning the value and role of higher education.

What is the Timeline?

  • February-March 2024 - Consolidate Infrastructure/Create data collection tools
  • April-September 2024 - Data Location and Collection
  • July-October 2024 - Data Analysis and Narrative Development (Meaning Making)
  • September-December 2024 - Writing the Application
  • January-February  2025  - Reviews of Draft
  • March 2025 - Finalize and Submit Application

Carnegie Classification Update – 2024 Application Submitted

VCU has officially submitted its 2024 application for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners in advancing community-engaged teaching, research, and service.

We appreciate the contributions of everyone involved in this institution-wide effort.
👉 Read the Carnegie Reclassification Executive Summary

For more information, Contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu.