Institute for Community Development

Mission

The Walsh Institute for Community Development seeks to actively engage in open interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations between individuals and entities that are often divided by philosophy, theory, and practice. Walsh University professors are involved in a dialogic role, not a prescriptive role that seeks to engage stakeholders as co-investigators in educational inquiry. Walsh University’s tools and resources will be used to gather and encourage dialogue, insight, and problem solving that empowers stakeholders as collaborators and change agents that serve the local community and the world at large.

Vision

To democratize knowledge, wisdom and education within the community and among stakeholders.

Goals

• Investigate pertinent educational and employment-based questions raised within the community, trades, K-12 schools and higher education.
• Encourage stakeholder collaboration through forms of inquiry, research, action, and service.
• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote the rights, well-being, and access to education for all.
• Aim for equal educational opportunities consistent with the Walsh University mission to make education accessible, viable, and relevant to all.

Benefits & Responsibilities of Affiliating with the Institute

• Meaningful contribution to the development of a campus institute.
• Participation in interdisciplinary inquiry
• Contribution to research and publication
• Community engagement
• Engagement in scholarly activity
• Collaboration in setting research agenda 
• Participation in data collection, analysis, and reporting

Current & Upcoming Projects and Highlights of Activity

PHASE I CONCEPTION/DEVELOPMENT

◗ Pursuing conversations and discussions regarding the interdisciplinary inquiry.

◗ Designing research opportunities.

◗ Inviting affiliate faculty participation.

COLLABORATING WITH A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS

◗ ThinkBig Focus Group