Developing a student-centred framework for community engagement in Australian universities

Australian Universities operate peer-­‐learning support and schools outreach programs that involve tertiary students in internal and external community engagement. These programs attract a diverse range of students from the university population including students from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds, and provide paid and voluntary opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience outside of the curriculum. Anecdotal reports and pilot surveys of student participants in community engagement programs at the Queensland University of Technology indicate that such programs support skills development in generic graduate attributes of communication, team work and leadership, and enhance work placement and career employability potential. The proposed research will investigate the impact of participation on graduate attributes and identify impact on student employability. The research aims to develop a student-­centred framework for community engagement that complements curriculum outcomes by maximising support of graduate attributes and enhancing employability for participating students.