Office for Community Engagement
The Office of Community Engagement educates students to be socially conscious, skilled and committed to a just, diverse, and democratic community. Community Engagement offers a wide range of community service programs, which provide students the opportunity to be civically engaged, explore the root causes of social issues, foster reciprocal relationships with community members, and gain cultural competence.
Through direct service, education, and reflection, students will realize and understand the importance of civic responsibility, explore ways in which they can impact their local, national, and global communities, and become active citizens.
About Us
History
Western New England University has a long history of engaging students, faculty, and staff in the Springfield community and beyond. Prior to 2001, service activities were organized by various offices and departments across campus. As more programs began to develop, there was a need for organized support to help guide this process. In 2001 a proposal was submitted to Massachusetts Campus Compact to receive an AmeriCorps *VISTA member to help grow service and engagement programs on campus. As a result of the expansion of such great programs and the creation of new community partnerships, the Volunteer Connection Center (VCC) was created. On July 1, 2011, the Volunteer Connection Center became the Center for Civic Engagement. The Center was renamed the Office for Student Volunteerism and housed in the now Delbridge Career Center and has since been relocated to Student Involvement and Leadership with the title of Civic Engagement.
Why Civic Engagement?
Civic Engagement is a term used to describe activities that promote the bridging of communities with socially conscious thought and action. Our office works to build student awareness on issues impacting the community, as well as facilitate the opportunities for students to actively participate in activities of community organizations.
Our Staff
Melissa Lambert
Director, Student Involvement and Leadership
Melissa.Lambert@wne.edu
413-796-2385