University Outreach and Engagement: Responding to a Changing World

Rapid and dramatic demographic and technological changes present the nation with enormous challenges for educating students, growing the economy, and responding to society's needs. America's colleges and universities have a central role to play in all of these critical areas-serving as agents of change as they themselves change institutionally in response to new and changing markets, multilevel partnerships, and serious challenges to institutional funding. Their effectiveness will be determined by how well they engage students, business and industry, public agencies and schools, communities, and others. This article focuses on best practices and strategies for successful institutional outreach and engagement.