“Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.” ~
Community engagement places our community and industry partners at the heart of Queen’s mission. Community engagement initiatives address the real-world questions and challenges of our partners, translating academic knowledge into practical solutions. This approach is built on fostering sustainable relationships by collaborating with our partners, advancing faculty research, and providing educational opportunities for students.
Sustainable Development Goals in action
Community engagement is a way to address the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Queen’s. The 17 SDGs were formalized in 2015 as calls to action for global partnership to improve quality of life around the world, reduce inequities, and promote sustainable educational, economic, and environmental development.
All community engagement initiatives at Queen’s directly or indirectly further one or more of the SDGs. Through effective collaborations and synergistic partnerships, we develop new knowledge and increase our ability to take action.
Benefits and impacts for all
Community engagement strengthens relationships between Queen’s and local, regional, national, and global communities. It provides meaningful opportunities for student and faculty learning, collaboration and growth; enhanced research impact in communities; and relevant curriculum for students and embedding responsible professional development into courses.
Partners
- Receive high-quality analysis, recommendations and solutions to a challenge facing your organization.
- Access experts across disciplines and sectors, passionate about being a change leader in modern society.
- Provide a valuable opportunity for students to apply their learning and develop their professional skills.
- No financial commitment!
Faculty
- Broaden the impact of your research by turning research into practice, influencing public policy, and supporting industry and community partners in solving local and global challenges.
- Advance academic discourse across disciplines to amplify your expertise.
- Enhance your course curriculum to be relevant and hands on for students.
- Access partnership research grants.
Students
- Develop your professional skills by working with partners outside of the university.
- Apply your learning to a real-world challenge and get feedback from experts on your approach.
- Discover new perspectives and approaches to challenges by working with peers from across the university in different programs.
- Build your network outside of Queen’s.
Community news
Oct 20, 2025
Building community connections
Queen’s celebrates the launch of a new community engagement framework and website with a day of collaboration and relationship-building.
Oct 16, 2025
Strategies for increasing accessibility in teaching and learning
The Centre for Teaching and Learning is hosting a speaker series that aims to foster dialogue on disability and provide practical solutions for making courses more accessible.
Oct 14, 2025
Fall activities emphasize responsibility and community
Community partners are working together to provide a range of programming and activities on campus in the busy fall season, including Homecoming.