UH-Clear Lake receives Carnegie classification

University of Houston-Clear Lake has been selected by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as one of 119 U. S. colleges and universities for its 2008 Community Engagement Classification. Other UH System institutions receiving recognition included University of Houston, which joined UH-Clear Lake in the Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships category, and the University of Houston-Downtown, which was recognized in the Outreach & Partnerships category.

“This is a prestigious national classification that requires our academic programs to provide students with significant community engagement opportunities,” says UH-Clear Lake Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Carl A. Stockton. “UH-Clear Lake has always maintained a positive relationship with the community and continues to reach out through numerous programs and initiatives.”

Founded in 1905 by Andrew Carnegie and chartered in 1906 by an act of Congress, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center with the primary mission “to do and perform all things necessary to encourage, uphold and dignify the profession of the teacher.”

To be selected in any of the three categories of Curricular Engagement, Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships, and Outreach & Partnerships, institutions had to provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that showed alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices. UH-Clear Lake completed the 38-page required documentation that listed its community awards and celebrations, as well as its centers and numerous university partnerships with area businesses.

“Being selected in the combined Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships category shows UH-Clear Lake’s commitment to the communities it serves,” says Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Mrinal Mugdh. “The process of applying for the Carnegie classification is an arduous one requiring the efforts of representatives in offices throughout the university.”

The 119 colleges and universities recognized in 2008 join 76 institutions selected in 2006.This year’s selection represents 34 states and Puerto Rico.

For more information about UH-Clear Lake, visit http://www.uhcl.edu.