Classified!

Every year, Weber State University students, faculty and staff extend their reach into communities near and far. They tutor struggling junior high school students. They survey neighborhoods about community issues. They build women’s centers in Mozambique, Africa, and dining halls for orphanages in northern Thailand. 
 
In acknowledgement of this longstanding commitment to the greater Ogden community, the region, the state and the world, as well as its dedication to teaching students through community-engaged learning, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching awarded Weber State the esteemed 2015 Community Engagement Classification.

Only 361 of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. carry the designation. WSU first earned the distinction in 2008 but was required to renew its application for classification in 2015.
 
“Community engagement is deeply woven into the fabric and culture of the university,” said Brenda Kowalewski, director of WSU’s Center for Community Engaged Learning. “You’ll find it across campus, across curriculum and across programs. It’s everywhere. We, as an institution, truly ‘walk the walk.’”
 
In addition to the Carnegie classification, Weber State was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service for the eighth consecutive year. Launched in 2006, the honor roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to community-engaged learning and civic engagement.

WSU President Charles A. Wight said it is an honor to receive the two distinctions and a privilege to serve the people of Ogden, the people of Utah and the people of the world.

“More than 125 years ago, a fledgling school known as Weber Stake Academy formed to serve the community’s needs,” he said. “Today, what is now Weber State University remains dedicated to that community through providing quality education, promoting economic development and contributing to the richness of our regional culture. In turn, WSU is grateful for our neighbors’ support and investment, which has been there all along.”

6,554: Number of students engaged in the community

163,060: Service hours contributed by WSU students

$3,833,541*: Value of service hours