FAQs on the Public Engagement Framework

Have you got questions about the Public Engagement Framework?

The following answers some of the most common questions we've received; however, if you've got another question that you think should be covered here, please contact Rebecca Cohoe at rcohoe@mun.ca.

  1. What is the purpose of the Framework? 

    Memorial's Public Engagement Framework confirms public engagement as a core priority at Memorial, as emphasized in the University's mission. Building upon a long history of collaboration and partnerships outside the University, the Public Engagement Framework will help bring alignment to Memorial's existing public engagement activities, supporting and celebrating public engagement successes from across the University.

    The framework offers a long-term vision, values and goals, along with tangible objectives for Memorial students, faculty and staff to work towards, both in terms of individual projects, and in relation to administrative planning and strategic decision-making. The framework will also guide the activities of the Office of Public Engagement as it works with internal and external groups to identify ways to support public engagement activities and programs. As the Public Engagement Framework puts forth, our vision for Memorial University is to be a world leader as an engaged public university, through our special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Building on a long history of collaboration and partnerships outside the University, the Office of Public Engagement will use the framework to help bring alignment to Memorial's existing public engagement activities, supporting and celebrating public engagement successes from across the University.

  2. How does the framework contribute to the University’s mission?

    Memorial University has undergone extensive processes to develop strategic frameworks in the three areas that are vital to fulfilling the institution’s mission: teaching and learning, research and public engagement. These frameworks are fundamentally complementary, with many areas of intersection and connection:

    The teaching and learning that was formally adopted by Memorial’s Senate in May 2011 includes public engagement in its vision statement (encouraging the “communication of thought and interaction among students, educators, staff and the community”) and throughout its goals and principles.

    The Research Strategy Framework, adopted by Senate in September 2011, also strongly incorporates public engagement, calling for engaging with community partners and collaborators locally, nationally and internationally to create, share and apply research and to encourage, facilitate and value university-community research collaborations. The strategy supports fundamental and applied research excellence in areas of strategic opportunity and speaks to increasing opportunities for communication and collaboration with external partners and collaborators on research themes that are of particular strategic importance to Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The Public Engagement Framework provides the third element of the foundation on which Memorial will continue to grow and develop.

  3. Who will use this framework?

    Memorial’s faculties, centers and institutes, administrative units, student organizations and individual faculty members, students and staff are the University’s drivers of public engagement.

    The framework provides a long-term vision, values and goals, along with tangible objectives for these groups and individuals to work towards, both in terms of individual projects, and in relation to administrative planning and strategic decision-making.

    The existence of the Public Engagement Framework does not mean that all Memorial stakeholders will be compelled to incorporate public engagement into their work; rather, the framework will support and guide those who are currently involved in public engagement, or would like to become publically engaged.

  4. Does the Public Engagement Framework relate to public engagement activities outside of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador?

    The Public Engagement Framework applies to all of Memorial’s public engagement activity, whether locally, provincially or anywhere else in the world.

    Goal One of the framework, “Make a difference: make a positive difference in our communities, province, country and world,” refers to global public engagement everywhere. While some of the objectives in the framework do have a specific Newfoundland and Labrador focus, most apply across the board, from Corner Brook, to Vancouver, to Caracas and everything in between.

    It should also be noted that along with emphasizing public engagement activities, including specific projects and programs, the framework also identifies Memorial’s role as a global leader in the practice and support of University public engagement. Not only does the framework support those who do public engagement, it is also meant to help Memorial be a leader nationally and internationally in developing policies and programs that value and support effective public engagement.