About Us
Vision
Through transformational experiential learning opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships, the Center for Community Engagement aims to cultivate and inspire the Suffolk community with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be active and globally responsible citizens prepared to address social issues locally and beyond.
Mission
The Center for Community Engagement develops programs that:
- integrate practical experience in the community with classroom learning
- help students gain a deeper, hands-on understanding of social justice issues
- help students establish an ethic of service, achieve personal growth, and develop their leadership skills
- express and promote the value and acceptance of diversity in our communities
- are based in mutually beneficial partnerships and reciprocity
Community Engagement
The Center for Community Engagement at Suffolk University has adopted the following definition of community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching: Community engagement describes the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Meet Our Staff
Yvette Velez, Associate Director, Community Partnerships
Mena Vollano, Administrative Coordinator
Honors and Awards
Suffolk University is recognized as a leader among institutions of higher education for engaging its students, faculty and staff in meaningful community service opportunities.
- The Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification
The Carnegie Community selected Suffolk University for its 2010 Community Engagement Classification, and again in the 2020 Re-Classification process. This honor recognizes higher education institutions that partner with their larger community for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources. These partnerships address community-identified needs, enhance community well-being, and enrich scholarship. Learn more about the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. - All-in Campus Democracy Challenge
Suffolk University has received the Silver seal by the All-In Campus Democracy Challenge for our voter registration and engagement efforts in 2016 and 2018. In 2020, Suffolk was named one of top 150 Best Colleges for Student Voting by Washington Monthly Magazine. For more on student voter engagement, see Suffolk Votes . - The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
The University was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fourth straight year. This honor recognized institutions of higher education that encourage and support community service. Selection was based on a series of factors including scope and innovation of service projects, and the extent of service learning course offerings.