Faculty new to the University of Washington, or to community-engaged scholarship and learning, came together on February 20 at Othello-UW Commons to explore and discuss what it takes to participate in ethical, impactful community engagement. Sponsored by the Office of Academic Personnel and Faculty (APF) and led by the project to Build Tri-Campus Capacity for Community Engagement, this 2-hour training allowed experienced and new community-engaged faculty to learn from each other as they explored the benefits of–and challenges to–ethical partnerships in community-engaged scholarship and learning.
Faculty from Bothell, Tacoma, and Seattle campus and from units spanning social sciences, humanities, environmental and health sciences, data visualization and urban planning held rich conversations about why they choose to work with community partners in their research and teaching. The day was designed, developed and led by Layla Taylor, Project Manager: Capacity Building for Community Engagement, Office of Community Partnerships, UW Tacoma; and Kim Swensen, Instructional Coach, Learning & Teaching Collaborative, UW Bothell; with Layla leading day-of instruction and facilitation. A panel of senior community-engaged faculty shared their experience in tenured and non-tenured positions and discussed tips and pitfalls for community-engaged scholars. Attendees explored key frameworks on the benefits of community engagement, key competencies, and critical tools for faculty to design courses and projects. The session ended with an exploration of the new Tenure, Promotion and Merit Review toolkit developed to support community-engaged faculty.
Other materials explored by the group included the UW community engagement definition and principles, and student training resources for community engagement core competencies.
Reflecting on the day’s workshop, Layla shared, “through the tri-campus building capacity project, we have heard from various faculty and staff that they really appreciate opportunities to exchange and learn from each other, and we also know that finding capacity, time or attending in person can be a barrier. This is where the new Canvas site comes in: so that faculty and staff at each campus can find tools, resources and materials that support them and their students in their community-engaged work.”
Fred Nafukho, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel and Faculty, shared, “We are deeply grateful to our new faculty for their enthusiastic participation, and to facilitators Layla Taylor and Kim Swenson, as well as the panel of senior community‑engaged faculty, for thoughtfully guiding this important work. The collaborative spirit shown by colleagues from UW Bothell, UW Seattle, and UW Tacoma truly embodies what makes the University of Washington exceptional. Together, we are building a foundation where community engagement and shared learning thrive across all our campuses. Thank you to every participant and partner for your dedication to creating a more connected and impactful UW.”
A similar workshop is intended to be offered annually by APF. In addition, Canvas modules will be available in Fall 2026 to support faculty and staff who want to engage asynchronously with these concepts, tools and practices, and to train others to do the same.