'Introduction: Building the Engaged University'
How QUT defines Engagement:
"Engagement involves working with external partners, applying the University’s intellectual, virtual and physical assets to local and global issues and priorities to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes."
This introductory chapter of Challenging Boundaries provides a brief overview of engagement and how it has evolved as a priority within universities. It looks at:
- how universities have engaged with their surrounding communities and
- how history has shaped current models and directions
It defines engagement in its current context. It discusses why and how engagement should remain a priority within and beyond the university. It also argues that the partnerships that most powerfully characterise a university's approach to engagement are:
- built up and sustained over a long time and
- involve a series of projects and achievements focused around teaching, research and service.
This is further illustrated in QUT’s partnership with Dr Chris Sarra and Cherbourg State School. From Dr Sarra’s involvement as a graduate and alum, an ongoing partnership has delivered a range of joint initiatives for mutual benefit. These shared efforts have culminated in the establishment of the new Indigenous Education Leadership Institute which will enhance the pursuit of improved Indigenous student outcomes across Australia.
