Digital Commons Network^™

Institutionalizing Community-Based Learning And Research: The Case For External Networks, Elizabeth Shrader, Mary Anne Saunders, Sam Marullo, Sylvia Benatti, Kathleen Maas Weigert

Sociology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Conversations continue as to whether and how community-based learning and research (CBLR) can be most effectively integrated into the mission and practice of institutions of higher education (IHEs). In 2005, eight District of Columbia- (DC-) area universities affiliated with the Community Research and Learning (CoRAL) Network engaged in a planning and evaluation exercise, applying a “rapid assessment” method to gauge baseline levels of CBLR institutionalization on each campus, envisioning progress in key areas, and proposing ways in which the CoRAL Network could achieve institutionalization goals. Aggregate analysis of the assessment data suggests several areas of similarity across extremely diverse university …