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Why Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Matters

Community Engaged Learning at MSU transforms traditional learning by aligning academic objectives with community-identified needs. As higher education shifts toward equity, access, and public impact, CEL provides a vital framework for integrating experiential education with social change. We encourage faculty to explore the research, methods, and guiding frameworks behind CEL to strengthen teaching, learning, and community partnerships. 

Featured MSU Denver Resources

White Paper on Community Engaged Learning White Paper (PDF)
A comprehensive overview of the current landscape and strategy for CEL at MSU. 

Early Bird article: How CEL Builds Belonging & Purpose (2024)
A faculty spotlight on CEL’s student impact across the curriculum. 

Recommended Journals

Explore current research and innovations in community engaged pedagogy: 

Key Books & Foundational Readings

These texts are available through the MSU Denver Library: 

  • Ash, S. L., & Clayton, P. H. (2009). Generating, Deepening, and Documenting Learning: The Power of Critical Reflection in Applied Learning.
    A practical introduction to reflection practices in community engaged teaching. 
  • Dostilio, L. D. (2017). The Community Engagement Professional in Higher Education: A Competency Model.
    Defines faculty and staff roles in supporting authentic engagement work. 
  • Donahue, D. M., & Plaxton-Moore, S. (2018). The Student Companion to Community Engaged Learning.
    Recommended for scaffolding CEL in student-centered ways. 

We encourage faculty to consider how their teaching and scholarship can align with public purpose. MSU Denver is proud to be part of a growing national movement to: 

  • Advance equity through community-campus partnerships 
  • Reimagine the role of universities in public problem-solving 
  • Develop students as engaged, civic-minded professionals
  • Explore CEL at MSU Denver — not just as a teaching method, but as a scholarly commitment to justice, access, and impact. 

Contact Faculty Engagement

Click the button below to connect with our team

Phone: (303) 615-1133
Email: CEL Program Manager: Nora Bashir

Contact the C2 Hub Faculty Engagement & Experiential Learning Team

Explore Resources:
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Click Here to Explore C2 Hub Student Resources

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