About the Symposium

Higher education’s public purpose is realized when institutional power is leveraged to promote social impact, community flourishing,, and a thriving democracy. This in-person symposium brings together key leaders from Campus Compact Campus Action Planning (CAP), Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development, and Building Theory to Practice (BTtoP) networks for a collaborative day of strategic learning and institutional planning.

The event is designed to move beyond abstract commitments, providing engagement administrators and campus leaders with a practical path for integrating civic and community engagement across all institutional functions—from research and teaching to operations and economic influence.

A central focus of this symposium is exploring how the (BtoP) Paradigm framework can support and inform the Campus Action Planning process. Participants will examine how foundational theoretical commitments to student well-being and inclusive excellence can be operationalized through CAP’s five planning domains:

  • Institutional Identity: Weaving civic responsibility into core values and campus culture.
  • Faculty and Staff Support: Moving engagement from an individual effort to an institutionalized professional responsibility.
  • Student Agency: Preparing students to confront complex challenges through community-engaged learning.
  • Reciprocal Partnerships: Strengthening ethical, inclusive, and mutually beneficial community connections.
  • Infrastructure and Coordination: Aligning administrative structures to sustain long-term engagement initiatives.
     

Who should attend the symposium?

The symposium portion of the event is intended for college and university executives and civic and community engagement administrators who are ready to move their institutions from aspirational thinking to actionable, systemic progress that increases community flourishing and sustains democracy.

The symposium portion is $50 for Campus Compact and PHENND members and $75 for non-members.

Meet the Speakers:

Alexis Bucknam
Alexis Bucknam Ed.D.
Campus Compact
Project Director, Campus Action Planning for Civic and Community Engagement
David Scobey
David Scobey
Bringing Theory to Practice
Director
Hillary Kane
Hillary A. Kane
University of Pennsylvania
Director, PHENND (Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development)
Register →

Join us for Special Events after the Sympoisum:

Campus Champion Meet Up

September 10, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

As a Campus Compact Campus Champion, you are the connective tissue between your institution and a national network of changemakers, yet the role often comes without a roadmap or a community of peers who understand its particular challenges. This session is designed specifically for you: dedicated time and space to build the shared identity, skills, and network that the Campus Champion role needs.

Learn More

Gathering Reception

September 10, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Light bites, drinks, and live music by Temple students on one of campus's most beautiful outdoor spaces. Keep the conversations going, connect with fellow Campus Champions, and take advantage of on-site professional headshots for event participants.

Symposium Highlights:

  • Expert Panel: Features experienced administrators from Campus Compact, PHENND, and BTtoP. The panel will discuss how to use iterative, agile planning to remain responsive to a rapidly evolving socio-political environment while holding true to core mission commitments.
  • Call-to-Action Activities: Interactive activities designed to connect the Paradigm Framework to CAP and support participants in identifying key assets and organizing strategies for developing the institutional support to engage in CAP.
  • Network Learning: Opportunities to connect with civic and community engagement colleagues from the Campus Compact and PHEEND networks of colleges and universities to engage in thought partnership, shared learning, and 
Register

Questions? Contact Alexis Bucknam at abucknam@compact.org