Community Engagement: The Whys & Hows

By: Dr. Annie B. Bangtegan

There is no denying that for any educational institution to achieve its vision and mission, it has to
work closely with all its stakeholders to ensure that its programs, priorities, and plans are in sync
with the expectations and needs of the greater community that it seeks to serve. This goes
without saying that educational institutions such as the University of Technology and Applied
Sciences - Al Musannah (UTAS-A) need to set up a meaningful and productive partnership with
the community. Through community engagement, the parties involved will be able to foster
collaboration and understanding that will help create a supportive environment; thereby
enhancing student learning and strengthening relationships that could benefit everyone. In
particular, the crucial role of community engagement in student development lies in providing
real-world experiences, networking opportunities from a broader perspective, and enriching
student learning and preparing them for a dynamic interconnected world.

To establish meaningful and sustainable community engagement, educational institutions can

initiate open forums involving local leaders and collaborating on projects addressing community
needs. Building partnerships, hosting events, and listening actively to community concerns are
also key elements for productive community engagement. For instance, to ensure quality
program delivery, UTAS-A usually engages with experts, the industry, and the community in
general, for regular curriculum planning and review. This exercise involves aligning, where
appropriate, the program offerings with community needs, seeking feedback, and adapting
appropriate and relevant program content and requirements based on input or feedback received
from the community and other stakeholders. Similarly, effective university marketing can also be
done through community engagement as such activity provides a venue for introducing and
showcasing unique offerings, highlighting student success stories, and engaging with prospective
students. This means that through community collaboration, the institution can extend its reach
beyond the campus.

Despite the evolving educational landscape that impacts program delivery and program needs
and priorities, community engagement will always play a significant part in the progress and
success of any educational institution. Thus, to continue to ensure the achievement of its long-
term and short-term goals and objectives and promote holistic student development, institutions
of learning will at all times have to look to pursue sustainable engagement and collaboration with
the community, offer diverse extracurricular activities and mentorship programs, and create a
supportive campus environment that encourages a balance between academics and well-being.