Going Forward Together:
Elements of Healthy Campus-Community Partnerships
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Community residents shape the direction of collaborative projects.
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Campus administrators support campus-community partnerships.
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There is a shared commitment to capacity-building.
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Faculty members are sensitive to community needs.
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There is a shared belief that partnerships will be mutually beneficial.
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The campus’s capacity is sufficient for the tasks.
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Community partners know how to fully utilize campus resources.
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More than a handful of people are involved.
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Third parties act as brokers and intermediaries, when needed.
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The most disadvantaged community residents participate.
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Campus-community projects are related to broader collaborative efforts.
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There is a joint exploration of separate and common goals and interests.
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The partners create a mutually rewarding, shared agenda.
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The partners articulate clear expectations.
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Success is measured in both institutional and community terms.
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Each partner shares control of resources.
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The partners focus on each other’s strengths/assets.
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Partners identify opportunities for early success and regular celebration.
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Partners pay attention to communication and cultivate trust.
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Partners commit to continuous assessment of the partnership itself.
Adapted from Maurasse, David J., “Higher Education-Community Partnerships: Assessing Progress in the Field.” Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly 31(1) 2002: 131-139.