At Memorial University, engagement is defined as:

“The sharing of information, knowledge, expertise, and conducting of activities with the public. This includes meaningful interaction, dialogue, and/or collaboration using appropriate techniques with the goal of mutual learning, understanding, and societal benefit.”

 

This definition highlights the meaningful interaction, dialogue and collaboration acheived through public engagement. Engagement activities can be placed along a spectrum ranging from informing, consulting, involving, collaborating, and empowering, depending on desired outcome or need. As Memorial contributes its expertise, knowledge and resources to public opportunities and needs, the university is also enriched and advanced by the perspectives, knowledge and experience gained through collaboration.

Public engagement is a core area of Memorial’s academic mission (along with research, teaching & learning). The vast majority of public engagement activities will be specifically linked to teaching and learning, research, scholarship, and creative activities, with many including aspects of various academic activities.

For example, teaching and learning experiences are enriched through public engagement (such as service-learning and work terms), as students are exposed to an array of perspectives and have the opportunity to practise what they are learning. Research, scholarship and creative activity are strengthened through public engagement when partners and collaborators contribute knowledge and understanding to the development of data, theory and research products.