How can universities support disadvantaged communities?

This report written by Fred Robinson, Ian Zass-Ogilvie and Ray Hudson for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in the UK comes a little late to our attention as it was published in 2012, but will be of interest to many subscribers.

This is taken from the report:

This report shows what universities are doing to reach out to disadvantaged communities and develop eff ective relationships; it is intended to encourage and inspire them to do more, and to do it better. Universities can provide a wide range of opportunities and facilities, resources and expertise. They have a lot to off er disadvantaged communities, and a university’s engagement with communities can enrich teaching, learning and research. 

The report focuses on: • the eff orts universities are making to recruit students from disadvantaged groups; • the provision of outreach education in the community; • opportunities for students to learn in the community – and contribute to the community – through placements and projects; • collaborative research with communities; • student and staff volunteering; • the roles and responsibilities of universities as community leaders and employers; and • the importance of institutional commitment and the factors promoting successful engagement with disadvantaged communities.