Examining Institutional Frameworksfor Global Service Learning and Community-Based Research

Examining Institutional Frameworks for Global Service Learning takes a look at the institutional definitions and frameworks for community-based research and global service learning, based in part on a survey of The Research University and Civic Engagement Network (TRUCEN) schools. This article disseminates the results of a survey completed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison of institutions at the TRUCEN meeting in 2012. It asked respondents to describe the frameworks and definitions in place at their institutions pertaining to engagement in globally-engaged learning or research. The authors also completed a review of data from several other higher education institutions. Both analyses discovered a general absence of institution-wide frameworks supporting global service and engagement. The article provides a good understanding of the current climate regarding these endeavors in higher education and promotes initial recommendations of good practice for individuals seeking to further global engagement in their own academic communities.