The civic university: move beyond symbolism to real responsibility

Is higher education’s civic engagement becoming performative? Here’s how to embed it in teaching, research and governance Civic engagement is fast becoming one of higher education’s most visible strategic priorities. Across the sector, universities are refreshing mission statements, announcing new community partnerships and broadening their impact narratives in ways that mirror earlier enthusiasm towards decolonisation and equity, diversity and inclusion. The civic university is increasingly positioned as a shorthand for public value, relevance and social responsibility in a challenging political and funding environment.