Chapter 9: Community Service


Because it is a public institution, an important component of Millersville University's mission is serving its region. Our mission states, "the University accepts its responsibility to serve society by acting as an intellectual and cultural resource to the regional community." The fourth theme of Millersville's vision is "Community service." The theme states, "Millersville University will provide its region with educational, research, and cultural programs that are appropriately flexible and accessible."

While Millersville's community service efforts are multifaceted, they focus on four areas. First, we seek to expand access to adult learners and others who face obstacles in furthering their education. Second, we draw on our historic strength in teacher education to help schools and children. Third, we provide cultural and intellectual enrichment and entertainment for our region. Finally, we help area businesses, agencies, and organizations through an assortment of programs and partnerships that usually benefit our students as well.

The programs discussed in this chapter only touch the surface of Millersville's impact on our region. Each year the University, our students, and our employees contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. While we do not systematically collect data, there is ample anecdotal evidence that our employees independently contribute countless hours of service to myriad community organizations. Our students spend hundreds of hours each year in community service (see Chapter 5).

Millersville does not have goals for serving communities outside the greater Lancaster region (Lancaster County and contiguous counties). While we try to respond to special requests from such communities that match our areas of expertise, we focus our limited resources on serving the immediate area.

Serving Adult Learners: The Adult & Continuing Education Program

Partnerships with Basic Education
      Lancaster Partnerships
      Summer Honors Program in Science, Mathematics and Composition
      Upward Bound
      Migrant Education
      Pennsylvania Governor's School for Teaching
      Center for Economic Education
      Elizabeth Jenkins Early Childhood Center
      Programs to Stimulate Interest in Science and Mathematics
      Other Partnerships with Basic Education

Cultural, Intellectual, Enrichment and Entertainment Opportunities
      Cultural and Intellectual Events
      Sports
      Re:Visions
      Elderhostel

Meeting the Needs of Area Businesses and Agencies
      Center for Opinion Research
      Center for Politics and Public Affairs
      Environmental Institute
      Geo-Graphics Laboratory
      Leadership Institute
      Regional Studies Center
      Safety and Technology Center
      Small Business Institute
      Conference Programs
      Contracts
      Other Programs

Conclusions and Recommendations
     Strengths
     Areas of Concern
     Recommendations
     Suggestions