PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Carnegie Classification
ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® Earns the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
A national recognition of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®'s sustained commitment to meaningful community partnership, reciprocal engagement, and transformative student learning
Badges:- Classified in 2006, 2015, 2026
- Community Engagement classification designation valid through 2032
- New Classification: Research Colleges & Universities (2025, valid through 2028)
- Recognized as one of 237 institutions in the 2026 cycle, we are also among the 277 institutions nationwide that currently hold the designation.
Carnegie Classifications: A New Era for ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®
In spring 2025, the and the released the updated 2025 Carnegie Classifications, introducing a redesigned framework for Research Activity Designations.
As part of this national update, California State University San Marcos was classified in the category of Research Colleges and Universities. This designation recognizes ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s expanding research enterprise and its growing contributions to scholarly activity, innovation, and community‑connected inquiry.
This Research Classification will remain in place until 2028, when institutions will undergo the next reclassification cycle.
What Is the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification?
The Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification is the nation’s leading framework for recognizing how higher education institutions collaborate with their communities through teaching, research, service, and partnerships. Awarded by ACE and the Carnegie Foundation, the designation highlights universities that demonstrate institution-wide, evidence-based commitments to reciprocal and meaningful engagement.
Since its inception in 2006, the CE Classification has set the standard for authentic, impactful community partnerships.
Why it matters: The CE Classification affirms the quality, scope, and intentionality of an institution’s engagement practices, and how they are embedded in mission, culture, curriculum, and partnerships.
ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s Journey of Engagement and Research Excellence
A timeline of ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s national recognitions under the Carnegie framework:
2006 — Initial Community Engagement ClassificationÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® was one of only 76 institutions nationwide to receive the inaugural Community Engagement Classification, achieving distinction in:
- Curricular Engagement
- Outreach and Partnerships
- 2006 Application for the Elective Classification in Community Engagement
In 2015, ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® again earned reclassification for its deep commitment to engaged teaching, research, service, and partnerships. 2025 — Research Colleges and Universities Designation
Under the redesigned 2025 Research Activity framework, ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® was formally designated as a Research Colleges and Universities institution.
This designation remains valid through 2028, at which point all institutions will be considered for reclassification.
2026 — Community Engagement Classification Awarded AgainÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s third Community Engagement Classification reflects more than a decade of dedicated partnership-building and public service. The designation, now renewed through 2032, underscores the university’s leadership in community-engaged practice.
Why These Designations Matter
Together, ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s dual Carnegie recognitions demonstrate:
Expanding Research CapacityThe Research Classification affirms ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s growth in scholarly activity, innovation, and research aligned with regional and societal needs.
Deep Community PartnershipThe Community Engagement Classification reflects nearly two decades of collaborative, reciprocal work with local, regional, and national partners.
Holistic ImpactThese recognitions elevate ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s profile as an institution that integrates research, teaching, and engagement to advance the public good. Community engagement is not a single initiative at ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®. It is a defining characteristic of who we are.
Community Engagement in Action
Programs and partnerships that exemplify ÌÇÐÄÉÙŮ’s impact:
- Senior Experience: Undergraduate business students consult with regional organizations to address real-world challenges—delivering actionable solutions while gaining professional experience.
- Super STEM Saturday: A partnership with The Classical Academies that sparks early STEM curiosity among K–12 students and strengthens pathways to higher education.
- Democracy in Action: Students and faculty collaborate with local city governments to address civic challenges, support data-informed decision-making, and foster engaged citizenship.
- Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education (CRESE): Advances K–16 partnerships, STEM education, and workforce development through research, outreach, and community collaborations.
- Mobile Wellness Initiative (with ): Brings essential health services to underserved North County communities—improving access, prevention, and continuity of care.
- Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs: Accelerated academic pathways that prepare graduates for in-demand roles in behavioral and mental health.
Definitions of Engagement and Purpose
What Is Community Engagement?
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
Purpose of Community Engagement at ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
