RADNOR, Pa. (Feb. 5, 2009) — Cabrini College is one of nine Pennsylvania colleges and universities (and 111 nationwide) recognized for community engagement by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Cabrini received the 2008 Community Engagement Classification for both "Curricular Engagement" and "Outreach and Partnerships."
The "Curricular Engagement" classification describes teaching, learning and scholarship which engage faculty, students and community in mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration. "Outreach and Partnerships" focuses on the application and provision of institutional resources for community use with benefits to both campus and community, and on collaborative interactions with community and related scholarship for research, capacity building, and economic development.
Historically, Cabrini has been at the forefront of community engagement among colleges and universities. Nationally, the College was among the first in higher education to implement community service into its curriculum; was the first in Pennsylvania to require community service of all undergraduates; and was the first college to sign an agreement with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to support the organization's global service initiatives. Through partnerships with CRS, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the College's sponsor), and the municipality of Norristown, Cabrini offers service opportunities in such places as Africa, South and Central America, and West Virginia.
In fall 2008, Cabrini introduced a groundbreaking curriculum, Justice Matters, which extends beyond the classroom in stressing experiential and transformational learning to enhance student performance and achievement. Working with their global and local partners, students and faculty research causes of injustices and long-term solutions to global issues.