By Anthony Potoczniak, CCL Staff
”We believe that the CCL is poised to be an even greater force for good in the future” was the consensus described in a recent report by external reviewers of the center’s work and its future goals for playing a central role in civic activities across the university.
As Rice students were returning from their winter break and beginning a new semester, the Center for Civic Leadership hosted an external review by a distinguished group of scholars in civic engagement: Dr. Melody Bowden, Interim Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, University of Central Florida; Dr. Timothy Eatman, Dean of the Honors Living-Learning Community, Rutgers-Newark; and Dr. Andrew Furco, Professor, Associate Vice President for Public Engagement, University of Minnesota. Preparations for this intensive, two-day event were in the works for almost a year.
The primary goal of this review, according to DOU associate dean, Caroline Quenemoen, who spearheaded the visit, was to assess and provide feedback on the center's year-long self study, which outlined a strategic plan for the center’s continued growth and collaboration with campus faculty and community partners. Members of the review team were able to meet with CCL staff, university administrators, students, and community partners.
Among the areas addressed during the visit included how the center’s mission and its work with students can further enhance Rice’s Vision for the Second Century. Similarly, the reviewers were keen to understand how the center leverages its impact within the Rice community and beyond the hedges locally, nationally and internationally.
The reviewers acknowledged the center’s innovative and inclusive programming that empowers diverse students “to engage in progressively deeper levels of civic action and community impact.” At the same time, their report called on the university’s leadership to give greater visibility to the CCL’s work and to position it centrally within Rice’s commitment to the development of ethical leaders and contributing to solutions to Houston’s dynamic challenges.
The report’s call for a broader institutional role is even more timely given the current social and economic crises that have gripped the nation at the time of writing the report. As stated in its introduction, “Due to Covid-19...the terms of civic engagement have now changed for all institutions of higher education.” In spite of the challenges facing our society, Rice University has an opportunity to position itself - its students and faculty - more visibly as an “engaged university” within the community and beyond.
For more information about the center’s work and the recent review, please contact Caroline Quenemoen, ckq@rice.edu.