Mission Statement

The University of New Mexico is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where civic partnerships, education and research inform our community engagement to create meaningful impact. Rooted in our commitment to serve and elevate our local and global communities, we champion active collaboration, innovative learning, and purpose-driven endeavors. By empowering our students, faculty, and staff to engage deeply with diverse communities, we strive to address pressing challenges, promote social equity, and co-create sustainable solutions. Through this integrative approach, we aim to cultivate responsible leaders, advance knowledge, and contribute to the holistic well-being of society.

We see Community Engagement as an essential aspect of higher education, in partnering with communities we can develop solutions that address the challenges facing society. This engagement can take many forms, such as service learning, community-based research, and volunteerism. By engaging with the community, students, faculty, and staff can apply their knowledge and expertise to real-world problems, gain valuable experience, and develop the skills and attributes needed to become responsible, engaged citizens.

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Terms and Definitions (approved by the Community Engagement Advisory Board)

1. Communities:
   Groups sharing identities, geographies, or experiences, such as students, faculty, staff, residents, community organizations, tribal nations, and government entities.
2. Reciprocity:
   A guiding principle ensuring equitable exchange, where both UNM and community partners benefit from the engagement.
3. Engaged Scholarship:
   The integration of research, teaching, and service with community priorities to address societal challenges.
4. Civic Learning:
   Educational initiatives fostering civic knowledge, skills, and values through experiential learning in community settings.

Context for the Creation of Standards

1. Community-Centered Approach:
   Extensive dialogue with stakeholders—students, faculty, and community partners—to align with the lived realities of New Mexico’s communities.
2. University Collaboration:
   UNM's 2020 designation report described emerging university-level strategy and standards, which have been shaped by community-partner and campus-wide consultations and peer institution benchmarking. These standards contributed to these definitions and the Office of Community Engagement mission statement. 
3. Approval Process:
   A collaborative process involving the Office of Community Engagement, Academic Affairs, and the Faculty Senate, ensuring alignment with institutional values.
4. Strategic Focus:
   Emphasis on addressing systemic inequities, fostering ecological awareness, and honoring historic relationships to land and place.

Application and Evidence of Effectiveness

UNM integrates community engagement into academic, research, and service initiatives, including:

1. Curriculum and Learning:
   Community-engaged learning is incorporated across disciplines.
2. Research and Scholarship:
   Faculty engage in community-based research to co-create solutions with local partners.
3. Long-Term Partnerships:
   Collaborative initiatives with communities address key issues such as public health, education, sustainability, and social justice.

Impact Assessment:
Evaluations reveal enhanced student learning, stronger partnerships, and societal benefits.