Carlson Center: Mission, Vision, & Values
Mission
The Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center develops service-learning, community-based participatory research, and leadership opportunities for UW students that sustain reciprocal partnerships, deepen learning, advance civic engagement, and contribute to our greater community.
Vision
The Carlson Center aims to transform higher education by fostering thoughtful, reflective engagement with community. In the next ten years, we envision a campus environment that supports faculty and graduate student instructors in developing and sustaining community-oriented pedagogical approaches (including service-learning and community-based participatory research). We envision partnerships with community organizations that have the capacity to co-educate students connecting academic work with community priorities. We envision our work influencing the leadership development and lifelong commitments of every UW student.
Values
Asset-focused
We value working with community partners, faculty and students in a way that recognizes and builds upon their strengths and assets.
Leadership
We develop the leadership potential of students, faculty and community partners by tapping into each individual’s passion for contributing to community.
Partnership
We bring communities and the university together to create experiential learning opportunities and reciprocal relationships that contribute to the common good.
Reflection
We believe that thinking intentionally about one's work in the world--including asking questions and making connections--leads to a clearer understanding and articulation of one's learning.
