Virtual Learning Exchanges 

In fall 2022 NCCE launched Virtual Learning Exchanges (VLEs) to provide an opportunity for community engagement professionals (CEPs) to convene on a specific topic to share best practices and insights and to crowdsource answers to challenging questions and concerns. We seek to improve practice and continue to build a supportive network for North Carolina CEPs.

VLEs meet virtually twice each semester. 

Learning Exchanges are facilitated by community engagement professionals in the NCCE network. Dr. Patti Clayton, NCCE Practitioner-Scholar-In-Residence, is providing support and resources to the facilitators.  Facilitators receive a small stipend at the conclusion of the academic year.

2023-24 VLEs

Community-Based Internships (2nd cohort)
Facilitator: Katelyn Bodwell, UNC-Chapel Hill

Being a part of the Learning Exchange on community-based internships (CBI) would allow you to gain a network of professionals organizing and facilitating these impactful programs. This year, we plan to focus our meetings on:

  • Information sharing of new research or publications focused on CBIs
  • Featuring presentations on best practices for CBIs from professionals in the field
  • Brainstorming new ways of addressing challenges and questions (e.g. recruiting students, hiring international students, funding structures, staff capacity)

Community Engagement Staff Retention
Facilitator: Kate Johnson, UNC Asheville

No institution has remained untouched by staff turnover, especially in the last few years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In this learning exchange, we will focus on staff retention and intersecting issues through the exploration of research and personal experiences. The goal of this learning exchange is to open up discussions around the current and future impacts of staff retention on community engagement professionals and the field, and might expand how we think about and practice staff appreciation and recognition in higher education. 

Questions? Contact Patti Clayton. 

Join a 2023-24 VLE

Previous Exchanges

2022-23 

  • Community Engagement in the Community College context
    Facilitator: Jennifer Mock, Alamance Community College
  • Engagement in the HBCU/MSI context
    Facilitators: Stacye Blount, Fayetteville State University & Amelia Garrett, NC State University
  • Community-Based Internships
    Katelyn Bodwell, UNC-Chapel Hill