Engagement with the human community is not just service to the community through imparting knowledge about social issues and problems.
Engagement is a reciprocal process whereby communication is backed up, if possible, by interaction in ways that can effectively alter the way the problem is perceived by oneself and others.
Genuine engagement moves beyond the level of mere service and allows the opportunity for societal response to help redefine the nature of the problem itself and perhaps forge new solutions.
The very character of this process helps to structure the contribution of the university to social change.
Professor Peter Sheehan AO
Vice-Chancellor
Through fostering and advancing knowledge in education, health, commerce, the humanities, the sciences and technologies, and the creative arts, ACU National seeks to make a specific contribution to its local, national and international communities.
Community engagement is considered to be an integral part of the work of the University across all levels.
The Vice-Chancellor has established the ACU National Staff and Student Community Engagement Awards to recognise and encourage exceptional community engagement by staff and students of the University community.
The annual staff award is open to all staff and carries a prize of $5,000 for use in an approved community engagement related project.
The annual student award is open to students enrolled during the calendar year and carries a cash prize of $1000.
The criteria for assessing nominations for the Staff Award for Outstanding Community Engagement include:
Sustained community engagement over and above the normal expectations of that person's role
Interest and enthusiasm in engaging with the community and/or promoting the involvement of others in community engagement
Involvement in community engagement activities that address social and ethical issues and are consonant with the University's Mission.
The criteria for assessing nominations for the Student Award for Outstanding Community Engagement include:
the extent of the student's involvement in community engagement over and above normal course requirements
evidence of learning, reflection and growth by the student through their involvement in community engagement
the extent to which the student's engagement with the community is aligned with the University's Mission
any supporting documentation provided by relevant community organisations.
Nominations for 2006 have now closed. Award recipients will be announced by the Vice-Chancellor before the end of the year.