The School of Community Service: A Model Structure for a Metropolitan University

The University of North Texas recently adopted a revised mission statement which placed greater emphasis on outreach and service to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and the North Texas region. One of the major organizational entities at the university for delivering applied research and professional service to the region is the School of Community Service (SCS). The School of Community Service is a school of applied social and behavioral sciences with eight departments.

This case study explores the evolution of the School’s outreach mission and describes the challenges of moving from a traditional value orientation to one that places greater emphasis on outreach and service. Concerted efforts are underway to embrace innovative approaches in linking traditional disciplines to non-traditional activities, as well as to develop international relationships and stress interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service where appropriate. The role of the School of Community Service in operationalizing the university mission is discussed.