Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Community Engagement

Towson University was the first campus in the University System of Maryland to receive the Carnegie Community Engagement classification, in 2008. This classification was renewed in 2015. Now, we are ready to conduct a campus self-study to be reclassified once again in 2026.

Community engaged partnerships are central to Towson University’s identity, supporting our anchor mission, enhancing the student learning experience, and creating a positive impact in the Greater Baltimore region. The Carnegie Foundation’s classification demonstrates TU’s momentum and provides institutional recognition for community engagement work, acknowledging the university’s substantial investment in mutually-beneficial community partnerships as TU prepares for R2 designation.

The Carnegie Community Engagement classification affirms that Towson University works for the public good as outlined in the university strategic plan. The designation is highly competitive and only granted to institutions that clearly demonstrate positive and sustained community impact.

Reclassification also requires proof of community engagement and evolving partnership work. The reclassification application showcases the breadth and diversity of partnerships and provide evidence of ongoing work throughout Greater Baltimore while also outlining new opportunities to better address the needs of the region over time.

About the 2026 reclassification

Timeline 

• January 2024: Working group formation
• February 2024: Registration for reclassification and application access
• August 2024: USM Carnegie application workshop
• September–November 2024: Outreach across campus and data gathering
• January 2025: Complete full draft of application
• March 2025: Application edits based on feedback
• April 1, 2025: Application submission to Carnegie
• December 2025: Classification results and feedback from Carnegie

Who’s involved

This project is facilitated by BTU–Partnerships for Greater Baltimore and partners in the engagement ecosystem across campus.

Working group co-chairs: This cross-campus group compiles application materials, seeks cross-campus and community input, and collaborates with university leadership to capture and enhance TU’s community engagement work.

• Kathleen Crostic, Office of Partnerships & Outreach
• Matthew Durington, Office of Partnerships & Outreach and Academic Affairs
• Romy Hübler, Office of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility
• Brian Jara, Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity, Excellence in Education & Support

Campus and community contributors: Internal and external representatives are involved in the gathering of information, feedback, and data to complete the application and inform recommendations for TU’s community engagement work going forward.

• Consultants: BTU-Engagement Council
• Contributors: TU faculty and staff, community partners, president and provost

Contribute to the Application

Share your community engagement activities

At TU, we define community engagement as the collaboration between higher education and individuals, organizations, and communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in the context of partnership and reciprocity to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Please complete the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement survey  to ensure that we continue to demonstrate the breadth and diversity of community-engaged work at TU.

If you have not registered your community partnership with BTU, please do so by completing the BTU Engagement form.

If you have any questions regarding TU’s reclassification timeline or application, please contact partnerships AT_TOWSON