A Canadian approach to higher education, community-engagement and the public good: The future of continuing education

Abstract

This work addresses the vital role of Community-University Engagement (CUE) in Canadian higher education as a critical strategy for responding to major global challenges like social injustice and climate change. It is argued that the collective resources of universities are the largest under-utilized assets for community change and sustainability. This work introduces the CUE Factor as a triangle encompassing “Community-Based Experiential Learning”, “Community-Based Research (CBR), and Community-Based Continuing Education” , defining CBR as a collaborative, democratizing process aimed at “social action and justice”. While Continuing Education (CE) units have over a century of experience and a strong base in lifelong learning, they face significant challenges, including declining institutional support and a perceived distance from the university's core academic and research functions. Therefore, this paper proposes an agenda for action to position CE centrally within the CUE movement, recommending that CE units strengthen their research profiles, lead university-wide discussions on civic engagement, and forge action alliances with community organizations to ensure universities meet their obligation to contribute to social transformation.