Connecting Campus and Community

‌The university recognizes community engagement as “the collaborative partnership between universities and communities to enhance student learning, innovative teaching, scholarship, and outreach. It involves addressing local and global needs through projects that promote civic responsibility and foster personal and social skill development. Community engagement strengthens connections between academic institutions and the broader community, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for education and service.”

SVSU also has the distinct honor of receiving the 2026 Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching. SVSU has provided evidence that community engagement aligns to our mission and is part of our campus culture. This unique distinction is held by less than 10% of colleges and universities nationwide, and by eight of the 15 public universities in Michigan. 

SVSU Earns National Recognition for Civic Engagement

Saginaw Valley State University is honored to be recognized by Insight Into Academia Magazine with a special award for civic engagement and community service. The application process was led by Dawn Hinton, and the award highlights the impactful work of Kevin Lorentz and the Cardinal Votes initiative. We are proud of Kevin and the entire SVSU community for their commitment to civic engagement and meaningful community impact.