A Fine Balance: Community Engagement and the Poise of a Metropolitan University

Abstract

Leaders in an effectively engaged metropolitan university understand, agree on, and invest in thoughtfully chosen outreach commitments. The effective pursuit of such commitments requires also a balance among expectations, behaviors, and practices not always compatible. While outreach thrives on initiative, coordination is critical. Individuals energized by personal commitments must, nevertheless, serve an institutional vision. Though success often embodies the acceptance of risks, costs require careful and continuing scrutiny. Institutions that manage such balances well are most likely to succeed.