Hounds resemble service

The University of Indianapolis has been recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with the 2026 Community Engagement (CE) Classification.

These foundations partnered in 2022 to recognize universities that exemplify a strong commitment to community engagement, and UIndy has been recognized three times as one of 80 private universities to achieve the Community Engagement classification, according to UIndy360. Carnegie classifications are often used as a standard for funders, researchers and policymakers, making these classifications important to the universities that they recognize.

“This is significant because it validates the importance of collaborations,” UIndy’s Director of Service-Learning and Community Engagement Marianna Foulkrod said. “When we look at the reports, findings, and the story that has been told through data, we are reminded very quickly how important this work is. It re-engages us, rejuvenates our passion and reminds us that we cannot progress without one another.” 

UIndy is involved in several different service-based initiatives that impact the broader community, such as Special Olympics, the Burmese American Community Institute and Fry Scholar service projects, according to Foulkrod. The university is also partnered with over 200 non-profit organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center and Bethany Early Learning Ministry, according to HoundsConnect.

“…There’s not just this isolated community that we have on the south side of Indianapolis, but rather an integrated component of the local community and the regional community is something that I think we [UIndy] and the students should be proud of as they engage and make an impact,” UIndy Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Plouff said. 

“We have students that are committed to being the best versions of themselves as engaged, responsible citizens of their city and their world,” Foulkrod said. “This is your [students] classification. You earned it as much as your administration and faculty.”

UIndy strives to promote “education for service,” which is largely done through the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement, according to uindy.edu. Plouff emphasized how social responsibility and community engagement are key aspects of the UIndy student experience, and this recognition helps promote these values and opportunities to potential members of the UIndy community. In addition, Plouff said this recognition can be influential regarding the future of UIndy’s community engagement.

“We do this well so that a community partner, when they’re working with us, would know that they’re working with an organization that is committed to this and is understanding of how to do it and how to do it appropriately,” Plouff said.

Foulkrod also discussed how students at UIndy have participated in service initiatives specific to their studies. For example, nursing students have hosted free clinics open to the public, and public health students have developed information sessions about public health in order to educate those who are new to this country. 

“We want to be able to participate in hands-on real experiences. There is no better way for our students to learn and grow,” Foulkrod said. “In return, the community receives fresh ideas and a new skill set. They see the population that’s going to be their workforce in the very near future.”UIndy’s ongoing service projects can be found on HoundsConnect, which is a tool for students to track their service hours and develop a service resume.