Conceptualizing Civic Engagement: Orchestrating Change at a Metropolitan University

Abstract

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) has undertaken numerous initiatives over the past fifteen years that have contributed to the development, clarification, and increased understanding of civic engagement and its related components. This case study demonstrates how advancing the public purposes of higher education requires the commitment, persistence, vision, and good judgment of many, but in particular the Chief Academic Officer, who assumes pivotal responsibility for civic engagement as a fundamental aspect of faculty work and student learning.