The Center for Social Concerns offers the Community Engagement Faculty Institute (CEFI) for all who want to explore or deepen their knowledge, skills, and passion for community-engaged teaching, learning, and research. This dynamic Community Engagement Faculty Institute is imbued with engaged learning, mixing lectures by faculty and community experts on the theory and practice of community-university partnerships with immersion into the South Bend community to learn with community partners. CEFI 2021 will focus our conversations, readings, and site visits on the theme of “Childhood Adversity and Solidarity in South Bend.” We will explore what it means to work towards a trauma-informed approach to academic community engagement.
Due to COVID, this year's CEFI will only be eligible for ND faculty, grad students, and staff. Community Partners may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will need University approval. If COVID restrictions change and allow for community members to enter the campus, we may update CEFI eligibility.
