Faculty Resources

How We Support Faculty

Course-Based Service Learning

We partner with you to design service-learning courses that connect classroom learning to real community needs. OCE helps identify community partners, define goals and timelines, and build meaningful reflection into the experience. Together, we create strong learning outcomes and sustainable partnerships that benefit students and community organizations alike.

Community-Based Research

We connect you with community partners seeking research, evaluation, or project support. OCE helps clarify expectations and align projects with academic goals. Whether embedded in a course or developed independently, community-based research strengthens regional relationships and gives students hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges.

Experiential & Field-Based Learning

We support you in coordinating internships, practicums, and other field-based experiences. Our office collaborates with you to develop community partnerships and ensure that placements align with course or program outcomes. These applied learning experiences allow students to hone practical skills while making meaningful contributions to organizations beyond the campus.

Partnership Development & Coordination

Strong partnerships require clarity, communication, and reciprocity.

OCE helps ensure:

Community needs align with course learning outcomes
Expectations are defined early
Partnerships are sustainable beyond a single term
Risk management and university policies are considered

We serve as a central connector to minimize administrative barriers so you can focus on teaching.

Applied Learning Pathways

OCE supports faculty across a range of applied learning models:

Volunteer & Civic Engagement: Introductory engagement opportunities that connect students with community impact.
Service Learning: Faculty-led, credit-bearing experiences with structured reflection.
Community-Based Projects: Discipline-specific collaborations that address real-world challenges.
Field Work & Experiential Learning: Learning in professional settings such as schools, nonprofits, clinics, and regional organizations.

If you are unsure which pathway best fits your course or program, we’re happy to work with you to design the right approach.

Female tutor pointing to a math equation on a white board.

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Academic Affairs

Funding Requests

Limited one-time funding is available to support EWU faculty and staff initiatives, professional development, and sponsorship requests. Funding must align with the university’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Budget Request Application

Grants & Endowments

Faculty pursuing community-engaged research, creative work, or professional development may explore grant and endowment opportunities available at EWU. These programs support scholarship, faculty growth, and initiatives that strengthen academic excellence and civic engagement. Review current funding options, eligibility requirements, and application timelines through the Faculty Grants and Endowments page.

Faculty Grants & Endowments

The Academic Affairs Office offers a limited number of travel awards each year to support students presenting research or creative work at conferences, workshops, and academic events. These awards help expand professional development, networking, and learning opportunities beyond campus.

Student Travel & Scholarship Opportunities

Students apply for scholarships through the Financial Aid & Scholarships portal. Nearly 78% of EWU undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid—a reflection of our commitment to access and our identity as the region’s polytechnic university. Faculty are encouraged to promote scholarship applications between November 1 and February 1 each academic year.

Scholarship Information

Faculty engaged in community-connected and applied learning can access a range of campus resources to support funding, research, student participation, and professional development:

EWU Office of Community Engagement
115 Showalter Hall
Cheney, WA 99004

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.
8 a.m.-5 p.m.

509.359.2124
communityengagement@ewu.edu

Eastern Washington University is committed to providing transformative opportunities that develop leaders and citizens who are engaged professionally, socially, and culturally.

Community engagement strengthens our region, expands opportunity, and builds lasting partnerships that support students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the communities we serve.