In the weeks since the American public began to focus on the emerging COVID-19 crisis, nearly every facet of life in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities has been transformed. The scope and pace of change have been head-spinning. And while no sector has been left unaffected, few have had to respond more quickly and thoroughly than higher education. Within a very short time, bustling campuses were vacated, and students, staff, and faculty members across the country adapted to new modes of teaching, learning, and engaging. Institutions of higher education would have been forgiven if they had focused only on keeping their own core functions up and running. Yet despite the enormous challenges of transitioning to remote education and attending to the health and safety of students and employees, Campus Compact member colleges and universities throughout the United States have found time and capacity to demonstrate their commitment not only to the wellbeing of their students but also to…

For the vast majority of us, the greatest contribution we can make right now is to limit our movements. Be still. Stay home. Distance. Yet even staying home requires new ways of thinking. And, many of us have begun to identify ways we can be supportive of broader community in more ways than just staying home.  Campus-Community Engagement, Volunteering, and Civic Organizing   Colleagues have already responded to this rapidly changing moment with a breadth of resources. Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compacts have stepped forward to create a continuously updated resource page particularly relevant for community-engaged and social justice educators. Their resource round up includes everything from caring for students and restructuring courses to a Virtual Volunteering Guide from Idealist, and much more. But restructuring isn’t only about considering options for online, project-based learning. It’s also being cognizant of existing relationships with community partners.  In that spirit, Jennifer Alkezweeny, Teaching, Learning, and Engagement Associate at Portland State University, quickly pulled together…

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19, Compact20, Campus Compact’s biennial national conference and related events, is canceled. The public health implications make it impossible to move forward with our events scheduled to begin in Seattle on March 29. We are profoundly disappointed to share this news, but it is clear there is no other responsible path forward. We will issue full refunds to all registrants who request them.  Campus Compact will pay a significant financial price for this cancelation. We are a non-profit organization operating on narrow margins. If you are in a position to help us weather this storm, we will appreciate it greatly. One way for conference registrants to help is by forgoing refunds. If you would like to make a contribution to Campus Compact, visit compact.org/give. Either way, we will be immensely grateful. The deadline to request a refund is April 1, 2020. Registrants should visit forms.gle/ZeCGqtzKuMGBbGs76 to do so.* In recent days, we have been…