How does MSU define outreach and engagement?

The Provost's Committee on University Outreach (1993) defined outreach as scholarship that cuts across teaching, research, and service. It involves generating, transmitting, applying, and preserving knowledge for the direct benefit of external audiences. MSU advocates a scholarly model of outreach and engagement that fosters a reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationship between the University and the public. Outreach and engagement involves the co-creation and application of knowledge, a relationship that increases both partners' capacity to address issues. It also provides university scholars with new information for publications and other communications that reflect the realities outside the laboratory. Such new knowledge can sometimes be incorporated into future research and teaching and applied in new settings. For more information, visit the Approach section of this Web site.

How can I find faculty and community groups who are interested in working together on issues of mutual interest and in the same geographic location?

The Office of University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) facilitates partnerships between the University and the local, state, and national community. As equal partners, they engage in community-based research on issues that are community identified and are for the direct benefit of the public. For more details, visit the University-Community Partnerships Web site .

UOE is also developing Advancing Knowledge Transforming Lives (AKTL) Networks in major geographic areas across Michigan--Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and the Upper Peninsula. These networks provide a more complete picture of the work being done by MSU faculty and staff in these locations in partnership with community agencies, schools, public institutions, and businesses. The primary aim of these networks is to enhance communication among MSU scholars who work in the same geographic area and to encourage interdisciplinary research. For more details, visit the University-Community Partnerships Web site .

In addition, UOE maintains a Web site, the Statewide Resource Network , which links Michigan's professionals and practitioners to MSU's vast resource network, including continuing professional education programs and expert assistance and information. You can find links to outreach-related project summaries and complete contact information.

What funding is available specifically for outreach and engagement work?

Funding is available for projects that have a significant outreach and engagement component. University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) and MSU Extension , the Families And Communities Together (FACT) Coalition , and the Community Vitality Program (CVP)  have combined resources to support a competitive grant program. The program supports collaborative research on children, youth, family, and community issues. For more details, visit the Funding page.

What support services for outreach and engagement can I call on?

Support services include seed funding, linking faculty and communities, organizational development, publication editing and development, and Web testing, design and development. For the complete list and details, view the Services section of this Web site.