Reconceptualizing University Extension and Public Service

Abstract

The full development and potential contribution of university extension is limited by confusion about its basic nature and misunderstanding about its relationship to other concepts such as public service and outreach. This article addresses the evolution, role, and basic characteristics of university extension, as well as various sources of uncertainty and confusion about it and the importance of achieving greater common understanding about its function. A framework and definition are provided for developing a shared perspective on the concept of university extension in the context of scholarship and public service.

The Rising Tide of Outreach and Engagement in State and Land-Grant Universities in the United States: What are the Implications for University Continuing Education Units in Canada?

“…Much of what such units currently do falls within the rubric of outreach and engagement as it has been conceptualized in the United States. Indeed, numerous articles and reports have recognized the experience, resources, and expertise that UCE practitioners in Canada can bring to the "engagement table" (Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, 2002;McDowell, 2004;Thompson & Lamble, 2000;Walshok, 1999;Ward, 2003). Moreover, as noted by others (Archer & Wright, 1999;Cram & Morrison, 2005;Fear & Sandmann, 1995;Garrison, 2001;Selman, 2005), a period of significant opportunity may be at hand for UCE units to provide the leadership needed for their host institutions to become truly "engaged."…”

“…32, No. 1, Spring 2006 On the other hand, it is a period in which UCE is seen to have abandoned its commitment to serving social justice through educational programming (Archer & Wright, 1999;Collins, 1991;Cram & Morrison, 2005;Cruikshank, 1991Cruikshank, , 1998Cruikshank, , 2001Einsiedel, Jr., 1998;Selman, 2005;Thompson & Lamble, 2000;Welton, 1987). Some authors have claimed that UCE in Canada was historically the site of social activism by educators struggling for community development and justice.…”

Reconceptualizing University Extension and Public Service: A Response to Lauzon

“…We welcomed Lauzon's (2000) critical elaboration on the changing context of university extension and on the role of social, political, and economic forces-including a fundamental shift in dominant values-in shaping the university and university extension. Although he expressed disappointment about our article (Thompson & Lamble, 2000) and was critical of some parts of our analysis and conclusions, he seemed more concerned with what we did not address.…”

Educating Health Professionals: New Ways of Learning, Knowing, and Doing

“…I believe that, taken together, they will provide a wider view of the important issues related to health-allied disciplines and adult learning. (1999); Thompson and Lamble (2000); Lauzon (2000); Petersen (2001); and (Selman (2005) have shared their insights about the key values, aligned practices, and inherent tensions of UCE in increasingly corporatized institutions. McLean, Thompson, and Jonker argue that "if outreach is a distinct set of scholarly and professional practices, and engagement is a combination of philosophical principles and modes of working, outreach and engagement refers to new forms of understanding and of practising the work that connects universities with the outside world" (p.90).…”

“…; Thompson et Lamble (2000) ; Lauzon (2000) ; Petersen (2001) ; et Selman (2005) ont partagé leurs aperçus des valeurs clés, des…”