Community Engagement

Administrators Conference (CEAC)

Launched in 2003 as the Community Service and Service-Learning Directors Conference, CEAC (pronounced c-ack) is designed for community engagement professionals – both faculty and staff – who facilitate civic and community engagement programs and initiatives. Renamed in 2008, this gathering allows participants to reflect on their role and work through presentations and workshops, facilitated discussions, and networking. CEAC is usually held in June at an NCCE member campus. CEAC is usually only for representatives from NCCE member institutions, although this is subject to change based on the focus.

2024 CEAC (Open to non-NCCE member institutions)
June 13, 2024 at Elon University

The tides of change are rising on our campuses and in our nation. Many campuses are facing resource scarcity, enrollment declines, free speech conundrums, bans and gag orders on what language can be used and what can be taught, questions about the value of a degree, and calls to eliminate or reduce investment in non-academic endeavors, just to name a few. Meanwhile, polarization, misinformation, and disinformation are at record high, while we are on the brink of the most contentious election in recent memory. The geopolitical landscape is rapidly changIng with war and entanglements on the rise around the world. Meanwhile, our communities continue to face persistent social challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, educational inequity, and more. Oh, and don’t forget the climate and AI. In the midst of all this, there has been a noticeable increase in turnover in community engagement positions on campuses, in North Carolina and beyond.

And yet, I know we can all share dozens, if not hundreds, of stories that bring hope. Stories of the impactful, transformative community and civic engagement courses, initiatives, programs, projects, and partnerships we are part of everyday. We bear witness to the transformative impact of these efforts on students, faculty, administrators, communities, and community members. We stay committed to the work and are seeking continuous improvement and impact. We do our best to hold onto hope and to help others hold onto it as well.

CEAC 2024 will include reflection, networking, and facilitated conversations to help encourage and support community engagement professionals who do this work every day. We are seeking session proposals that explore best practices, models, and research that will deepen our practice. Session types include community conversations and standard workshops. Preference will be given to sessions that address issues related to full participation (ensuring diverse representation in CCE) and to sessions that speak to the possibility of hope in challenging times.

The registration fee is $75 for NCCE members and colleges and universities who are members of one of the organizations in IKONC and the Partnership Alliance. The fee is $100 for non-members.

Register

We are seeking session proposals that explore best practices, models, and research that will deepen our practice. Session types include community conversations and standard workshops. Preference will be given to sessions that address issues related to full participation (ensuring diverse representation in CCE) and to sessions that speak to the possibility of hope in challenging times.

Proposal Deadline: April 24

Request for Proposals

Past Community Engagement Administrators Conferences

Click on the title to view the program booklet.

2023 – Read highlights

2022 – Suspended

2021 – Democratic Partnerships and Critical Reflection in SLCE: Old Stuff, New Stuff, and Upcoming Opportunities (We hosted a 2-hour virtual workshop in 2021 rather than a full-day event)

2020 — Recalibration: Knowledge & Tools for Deepening & Sustaining Community & Civic Engagement (the 2020 event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

Videos

2019 — Southern Region Community College Institute (for the 2019 event we partnered with Kentucky Campus Compact, Virginia Campus Compact, and national Campus Compact to host a gathering specifically for community colleges)

2018 — Planning for Data Collection on Civic and Community Engagement Activities

Facilitator: Anne Weiss, Director of Assessment, Campus Compact of Indiana

2017 — The Future of Alternative Service Breaks: Deeper Learning and Impact

2016 — Recognizing Implicit Bias in Community Engagement

2015 — Diving Deep in Community Engagement

2013 — Alternative Service Experiences Institute

2012 — Tracking and Measuring Community Engagement: Articulating Methods that Align with Current and Future Institutional Goals

2010 — 2010 CEAC program booklet

2009 — CEAC Conference

2008 — CEAC Conference “Closer to the Goal: Going Deeper in our Civic Engagement Efforts”

2007 — CSD-SLD Conference

2006 — CSD-SLD Conference “20/20 Visioning”