Jersey City – The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching named Saint Peter’s College a Community Engaged Institution for demonstrating both “Curricular Engagement” and “Outreach and Partnerships,” the two classifications available for this achievement. Among the 119 U.S. colleges and universities selected for the 2008 Community Engagement Classification by The Carnegie Foundation, Saint Peter’s was the only four-year higher education institution in New Jersey to receive this designation in both categories.
“Curricular Engagement” describes teaching, learning and scholarship, which engage faculty, students and community in mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration. Their interactions address community-identified needs, deepen students’ civic and academic learning, enhance community well being and enrich the scholarship of the institution.
“Outreach and Partnerships” describes the application and provision of institutional resources for community use, with benefits to both campus and community. This classification also focuses on collaborative interactions with community, such as related scholarship for the mutually beneficial exchange, exploration and application of knowledge, and information and resources.
Annually, Saint Peter’s College offers more than 50 volunteer opportunities for the campus community that foster relationships and reciprocity with local, national and global associations. Over the past year, this has resulted in more than 16,000 hours of service contributed by over 700 students for various charitable causes.
The College will join 76 institutions previously identified in The Carnegie Foundation’s 2006 selection process. In order to be selected, institutions must provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that show alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices. For more information regarding the selection process and a complete list of selected institutions, visit The Carnegie Foundation’s website.
Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1905 and chartered in 1906 by an act of Congress, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center with the primary mission "to do and perform all things necessary to encourage, uphold, and dignify the profession of the teacher." The improvement of teaching and learning is central to all of the Foundation’s work. The Foundation is located in Stanford, California.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.