Simon Fraser University
EN-13: Community Stakeholder Engagement

SFU’s Vision/Mission “To be the leading engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement” captures the university’s commitment to community engagement. The mission and vision provide a launch pad for SFU’s community engagement strategy, which covers the breadth and depth of relationships that SFU seeks to build. This three-year strategy is intended to advance SFU’s efforts by facilitating community access to SFU people, knowledge and resources, and by connecting, embedding and communicating SFU’s engagement efforts. (http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/engage/SFU%20Community%20Engagement%20Strategy%20Mar2013.pdf) The Vision’s goal and objectives specific to community engagement are as follows: GOAL: To be Canada’s most community-engaged research university. Objective 1: Integration SFU will maintain and expand its community connections as an integral part of its academic mission, creating opportunities for practical and experiential learning; informing and inspiring research; and contributing to its relevance and success; Objective 2: Reach SFU will develop partnerships and maximize the capacities of its three campuses to enhance the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities locally and globally; Objective 3: Relationships SFU will build respectful and mutually beneficial community relationships; Objective 4: Lifelong Learning SFU will meet the lifelong learning needs of students, alumni and the community, and respond with innovative programs and learning opportunities for academic, personal and professional development; and Objective 5: BC’s Public Square SFU will be BC’s public square for enlightenment and dialogue on key public issues; it will be the institution to which the community looks for education, discussion and solutions.

The following initiatives are some example of how we are engaging students, engaging research, and engaging community. SFU Public Square, a Signature Community Engagement Initiative SFU Public Square is designed to spark, nurture and restore community connections. The initiative supports SFU’s role as a convener of serious and productive conversations about issues of public concern. SFU Public Square hosts an annual Community Summit to investigate—and recommend practical solutions to—pressing issues in BC and Canada. Past issues have included the economy and inclusiveness as well as events and dialogues throughout the year. (See www.sfu.ca/publicsquare) Engaging Students and Community Through Engagement Centres -SFU has community engagement centres in Vancouver and Surrey. -The SFU Vancity Office of Community Engagement is located in the SFU Woodward’s cultural unit in Vancouver. Connecting with a variety of community organizations, the Office produces public talks and facilitates community partnerships, accessible education opportunities, and SFU student placements with community organizations. (See http://sfuwoodwards.ca/community) -The SFU Surrey TD Community Engagement Centre fosters connections between SFU and the community with an initial focus on supporting new immigrants and their families. It connects children, adults and community members with SFU students, faculty and staff through a range of courses, workshops and experiences. (See http://www.surrey.sfu.ca/engage/centre) -SFU identifies and engages community stakeholders, including any vulnerable or underrepresented groups through these community engagement centres and through targeted program planning through SFU Continuing Studies (http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/about/about-continuing-studies.html ), the Aboriginal Strategic Plan (http://www.sfu.ca/aboriginalpeoples/files/2013-18-SFU-Aboriginal-Strategic-Plan.pdf) , and the International Engagement Strategy (http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/international/documents/Int%20Engagement%20Strategy.pdf ).

Some community stakeholders include, (by no means exhaustive): City of Vancouver City of Burnaby City of Surrey Metro Vancouver (and other municipalities) Province of British Columbia VanCity SFU Community Trust Burnaby Mountain Residents Association The Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition