A Model for Understanding the Processes, Characteristics, and the Community-valued Development Outcomes of Community-University Partnerships

Abstract

The research investigates the processes and characteristics of communityvalued undergraduate community servicelearning (CSL) initiatives that are housed within longterm communityuniversity partnerships (CUPs). Using a case study design, the study used indepth, semistructured interviews, document review, and observation to understand three CSL/CUPs within a small, liberal arts university in Atlantic Canada. In total, 54 interviews were conducted with individuals involved with the partnerships, including the community organization partners, staff/volunteers of the community organizations, community residents, students, faculty, and university administrators. Part of the analysis process involved cowriting the stories of each of the CSL/CUPs with the community organization partner and the faculty member partner from each CSL/CUP. From the three CSL/CUP stories and current literature, a conceptual model was developed. This model depicts the processes (development, cocreation, implementation, and care) and key characteristics (reciprocity, dialogue, and praxis) of longterm CUPs that are committed to a shared domain and communityvalued development outcomes.