University engagement, community oriented research, community based learning, UL Practicum
The contemporary university agenda has shifted. Where there was once a desire to educate and generate research, these objectives have now become much more complex. Universities must attend to a variety of pedagogies and learning approaches. Research must now satisfy stakeholders, policy makers and taxpayers with plans for 'knowledge transfer' and impact studies. Increasing demands to demonstrate 'value for money' are accompanied by decreasing public investment and funding. This article looks at one Irish university's attempt to respond to manage this shift in ways that preserve the central mission of the university whilst integrating new demands for a 'civic shift'.