Presentation and Discussion: The University and its City: Partnering to Support Inclusion

Description

Since its inception in 1583, the University has always prided itself on being first and foremost a civic institution, firmly rooted within its City and functioning as a motive force for positive societal transformation. The University’s current strategic plan – Delivering Impact for Society, 2016 – includes ‘contributing locally’ as one of its four development themes. At this meeting of Senate we will explore different models of community engagement and how they intersect with core University business (research; learning and teaching; and knowledge exchange, public engagement and outreach). In support of this a range of student projects will be showcased through film and an exhibition (to be held in the Atrium at the end of the presentations and discussion). Local contribution The meeting will also enable Senate to debate the challenges and opportunities presented by our strategic commitment to ‘contribute locally’. Key questions for discussion will be: What opportunities are presented by the community engagement components of the strategic plan to enhance the student experience (including skills development) and sense of belonging (building community) via curricular reform, modes of pedagogy and research-infused teaching? What are the challenges involved in evaluating our community engagement activities with a view to up-scaling, sustaining and measuring their impact? How do we practically embed the concept of co-production into our core business, by empowering rather than overwhelming local community groups? How can we better engage alumni in these new and exciting opportunities? Speakers What ‘contributing locally’ means for the University and its communities Professor Lesley McAra (Assistant Principal Community Relations) Different models of engagement linked to core University business (i) Homeless Health and Inclusion Centre Dr Fiona Cuthill (School of Health in Social Science) (ii) The Edinburgh Gateway Project Professor Remo Pedreschi (Edinburgh College of Art) (iii) The Mastercard Foundation Community Projects Johanna Holtan (Programme Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme) (iv) Building Local Innovation Hubs, Ecosystems and Platforms Professor Andy Kerr (Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation) (v) The Hunter Square Project Professor Lesley McAra

Period	7 Feb 2018
Event type	Other
Location	Edinburgh, United KingdomShow on map