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COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Outreach and Engagement Staff and Communities of Practice: A Journey from Practice to Theory for an Emerging Professional Identity and Community

October 26, 2015 | Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks, Informal/Formal Connections
The emergence and recognition of outreach and engagement staff and non-tenure track faculty in higher education literature as key figures in the success of university outreach and community engagement are welcome developments for these practitioners. This article describes the perceptions of outreach and engagement staff at large, public research universities with decentralized engagement initiatives. The authors describe efforts to organize outreach and community engagement staff to create supportive networks, improve practice, provide professional development opportunities, and advocate for practitioner interests and needs. Community-of-practice theory offers a model for connecting, organizing, and sustaining outreach and engagement staff practitioners and their emerging professional identity.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Susan Harden
    Author
    University of North Carolina
  • Katherine Loving
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship
    Volume: 8
    Number: 2
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: Administration/Leadership/Policymakers | General Public | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks | Professional Development and Workshops | Informal/Formal Connections | Higher Education Programs

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