Signaling Critical Community Engagement: Exploring Definitions from the 2020 and 2024 Carnegie Classification Data

This qualitative textual analysis (Kuckartz, 2014) explores how institutions described and integrated critical approaches within their definitions of community engagement. Using consensus coding and thematic analysis, we analyzed data from the 2020 (Reclassification) and 2024 (First-Time and Reclassification) Carnegie Elective applications. We used critical service-learning (Mitchell, 2008) to guide our examination of 99 institutional definitions that met our inclusion criterion. Additionally, we applied signaling theory (Spence, 1973) to discuss how institutions use these definitions to signal their values to external stakeholders. Our findings reveal two central themes. Intentional Engagement captures the emphasis on relational approaches within and through institutional engagement practices. Institutional Commitments describes how institutions conceptualize and enact engagement through formal organizational structures and values. Accountable relationships and equitable partnerships bridge these two missions and highlight the complexities of community engagement practices.