December 6, 2006 – Pitzer College is one of 76 colleges or universities that has been selected by The Carnegie Foundation for their new elective Community Engagement Classification. Unlike the Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, this is an “elective” classification wherein institutions elected to participate by submitting required documentation describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, be it local or beyond. This approach enabled the Foundation to address elements of institutional mission and distinctiveness that are not represented in the national data on colleges and universities.
“The Community Engagement Classification is an exciting move in Carnegie’s work to extend and refine the classification of colleges and universities,” said Alexander McCormick, who directs Carnegie’s classification work. “It represents a significant affirmation of the importance of community engagement in the agenda of higher education.”
In achieving this new classification, Pitzer College was able to respond to all of the classification framework inquiries with both descriptions and examples of exemplary institutionalized practices of community engagement. In addition, Pitzer College demonstrated excellent alignment between mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.
