About Us

Values

Mobilizing engagement: Providing multiple access points for students at Portland State to get involved in service. This is demonstrated by:

• Different lengths of engagement opportunities ranging from singular days of service to yearlong leadership programs. (See "Service Programs and Events" above.)
• Becoming a "resource hub" for co-curricular community service.

Reciprocal Partnerships: Fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships between Portland State and community organizations as well as interdepartmental partnerships. This is demonstrated by:

• Over 10 year-long intensive community partnerships.
• Development of collaborative programming with multiple departments at Portland State

Social Justice and Equity: Acknowledging the dignity of every human being and framing our work to deconstruct oppression in order to build a more just and equitable society. This is demonstrated by: 

• All community-based volunteering and learning experiences rooted in a social justice framework.
• Two intensive leadership programs with curriculum founded on social justice and equity.
• Training and leadership development of office staff.

Developing and Empowering Students: Equipping students with skills and knowledge to become effective changemakers in their communities. This is demonstrated by:

• Providing a variety of avenues for students to get involved with their communities that can often build on one another to encourage growth and development.
• Anchoring service experiences with learning.
• Training and leadership development of office staff.

STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

Drafted from strategic planning conversations, assessment, and feedback to date

1.  Invest in mutually beneficial partnerships across campus and with groups that serve the wider Portland community. Take the lead from community partners and community-based groups about what is needed and how to engage.

2. Serve as a student hub and supportive community that fosters student engagement, where students can find connection, access resources, gain leadership skills, and discuss, learn, and engage with others on community issues, helping students understand what it means to be civically engaged.
   
    
3. Apply a social justice and equity lens to identify and address areas for growth and improvement to ensure our programs are supporting students in working for a more just and equitable future.
   
    
4. Strengthen program evaluation across all programs to reflect input from students, student leaders, community partners, and the community at large.

5. Build greater awareness and recognition of the Student Community Engagement Center among students and faculty/staff across campus.

    

6. Increase training and professional development opportunities for student staff and student leaders.