Name
Same Word, Different Worlds: Mapping and Making the Most of Engagement's Many Meanings
Date & Time
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Location Name
Soldier Field
Session Type
Knowledge-to-Action Workshop
Description

The proliferation of inconsistent definitions of "outreach" and "engagement" across universities can hinder collaboration and assessment. Some scholars have attempted to maintain definitional purity through boundary work, but this strategy can marginalize engagement professionals from institutional conversations. This interactive workshop introduces a strategic adaptation approach and practitioner-developed tool that acknowledges definitional diversity while preserving analytical precision. Participants will explore how semantic drift impacts their work, apply the tool to map engagement activities at their own institutions, and develop strategies for productive cross-functional dialogue. Rather than policing definitions, this framework identifies zones of strategic overlap where diverse stakeholders—from advancement to recruitment to engagement scholars—can find common ground while promoting reciprocity and mutual benefit. Leave with practical insights for immediate implementation.