Community engagement encompasses coursework, co-curricular activities, and research that foster collaborations between universities and their communities. At 成人大片, these activities are designed to create mutual benefits for both students and community partners.
Participating in community engagement allows you to apply what you鈥檝e learned throughout your degree and develop your professional skills. You鈥檒l get hands-on experience by working with community and industry partners on projects that will create an impact. Your community engagement experiences will help you stand out when applying to jobs or pursuing further studies.
Community engagement at Queen鈥檚 helps students develop professional skills in areas like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These are identified through the , which assist students in recognizing and building on their strengths in various skill areas, such as adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking鈥攕kills highly sought by employers.
Queen鈥檚 collaborates with industry, community, and government partners. This includes businesses, not-for-profits, city management and more. You can choose projects working on topics or partnering with organizations that interests you.
No, you do not need previous experience to get involved in community engagement projects at Queen鈥檚. The university provides numerous opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate in community engagement, whether through courses, co-curricular activities, or research. These opportunities are designed to help students develop professional skills and gain hands-on experience, even if they haven't been involved in similar projects before.
Community engagement is meant to be a learning process where students apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, collaborate with diverse partners, and receive feedback from experts. Tools such as the Queen鈥檚 Skill Cards support students in identifying and developing their strengths, ensuring that no prior experience is necessary to contribute meaningfully. By participating, students can grow their skill set while making a positive impact in the community.
There are various pathways for students to get involved in community engagement, both within their academic programs and through co-curricular activities. Here鈥檚 how you can find and participate in these opportunities:
- Through your courses
- Many academic programs incorporate community engagement into their curriculum, allowing students to apply knowledge in real-world settings.
- Courses: Consult with your academic advisor or course instructors to identify courses that include community-based projects or placements.
- Co-curricular activities
- The Queen鈥檚 Community Engagement Framework provides structured pathways for students to engage with local, national and global communities.
- How to Find:
- Community Engagement Website: Visit the Queen鈥檚 Community Engagement page for resources, upcoming events, and contact information for community engagement coordinators.
- Student Clubs and Societies: Explore the website to discover student-run clubs and societies focused on community service and outreach.
- Partnered research initiatives
- Engage in research projects that address community needs through collaborations between faculty members and community organizations.
- How to Find:
- School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs: Explore current projects and initiatives on the PhD-Community Initiative page.
- Faculty Research Pages
All faculties and schools at Queen鈥檚 offer courses including community engagement. Talk to your academic advisor to discover which courses you can take to get credit for your community engagement.
You can log your community engagement experiences by completing your Community Engagement Record, a document capturing your curricular, co-curricular, and research community engagement experiences during your time at Queen鈥檚. The Community Engagement Record is currently in development, so stay tuned for more information and to access the form!
The Community Engagement Record (CER) will be a downloadable portfolio of your engagement experiences through coursework, co-curricular activities, and research while at Queen鈥檚. The CER process will include skill self-assessment quizzes and reflection modules to support you in ethical and sustainable community engagement. Once launched, you will be able to start your CER anytime and share it with future employers or program admissions.
Balancing community engagement with academic responsibilities requires careful planning, effective time management, and clear communication. Here are some strategies collected from :
- Communicate Effectively
- With Community Partners: Be transparent about your academic schedule and any constraints, especially around exam periods or major assignment deadlines. This will help manage expectations and avoid last-minute surprises.
- With Instructors and Advisors: Inform your instructors about your community engagement commitments, particularly if they might impact your ability to meet course deadlines. Advisors can provide guidance on managing workload or adjusting academic plans.
- Plan Ahead
- Set Clear Goals: Define your learning and engagement goals at the start of the term. Understanding what you hope to achieve through community engagement can help prioritize tasks and manage your workload.
- Create a Schedule: Allocate specific blocks of time for community engagement activities, coursework, and personal responsibilities. Make use of planners or digital calendars to keep track of deadlines and commitments.
- Prioritize Tasks
- Focus on High-Impact Activities: Prioritize community engagement activities that align closely with your academic goals and offer the most learning and personal growth opportunities.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your commitments as needed. If academic pressures increase, consider scaling back on community engagement temporarily or focusing on less time-intensive activities.
- Reflect and Evaluate
- Regular Reflection: Reflect on your community engagement experiences to identify what is working well and what can be improved. This can help you make informed decisions about how to adjust your commitments.
- Feedback Loop: Seek feedback from your community partners and instructors to ensure you are meeting expectations while balancing your academic workload.
Getting involved in community-engaged research at Queen鈥檚 University involves several steps, and there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. Here鈥檚 how you can get started:
- Explore Opportunities: Check department websites or speak with faculty about ongoing community-engaged research projects.
- Join Community Engagement Courses: Enroll in courses with research components or join co-curricular research initiatives.
- Use University Resources: Visit the Experiential Learning Hub and attend workshops on community-engaged research.
- Focus on Impact: Participate in projects that turn research into actionable community tools, policies, or resources.
In the media
Oct 09, 2025
Annual United Way campaign kicks off
Queen鈥檚 committee sets a $475,000 fundraising goal to support the KFL&A community.
Oct 08, 2025
Celebrating a community of Queen鈥檚 scholars
A recent reception in Grant Hall highlighted recipients of the university鈥檚 major scholarships and awards that are making a Queen鈥檚 education more accessible.
Oct 08, 2025
Queen鈥檚 community invited to Thrive
From Nov. 3 to 7, Queen鈥檚 community members can participate in special programming, events, and activities that focus on connection and inclusivity.