UMass Boston

Activity Descriptions

UMass Boston engages in a variety of partnership activities that exchange knowledge and resources between the university and the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in order to address and better understand a societal issue or concern.  The Office of Community Partnerships strives to engage with partners in multiple ways through teaching and learning, research, service, and economic engagement activities that adhere to the core values of collaboration and reciprocity. 

Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning can include credit or non-credit bearing academic programs or learning activities.  Examples include:

  • Service-learning
  • Internships and Practicum
  • Community Federal Work Study
  • Professional Development Workshops and Training

Community-Engaged Research and Creative Activities attempt to address problems experienced within society in collaboration with nonprofit, governmental, foundation, community groups or individuals, or private entities.  Examples include:

  • Translational or Applied Research
  • Participatory Action Research
  • Advocacy Research
  • Evaluation Research

Community-Engaged Service applies the knowledge and skills of faculty, staff, or students to address issues of public concern and build the capacity of communities.  Examples include:

  • Technical Assistance
  • Outreach Programs
  • Client and Patient-directed care (Clinical Services)

Economic Engagement broadly encompasses activities that promote economic well-being and invest in the cultural, human, and social capital of communities.  Examples include:

  • Workforce Development
  • Business Development & Incubators
  • Market Research
  • Community Development