Name
The Worcester House: A Third Place for Campus-City Collaboration & Belonging
Date & Time
Monday, March 16, 2026, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Location Name
Crystal Ballroom BC
Focus Area
Infrastructure and support for community engagement
Session Type
Roundtable
Description

This roundtable session profiles the Worcester House (WH) at the College of the Holy Cross, an off-campus, accessible third place that strengthens College-City collaborations. WH offers space for students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and organizations to co-create community engagement-related trainings, research, and service. Grounded in Holy Cross' Jesuit mission, the WH model centers equity, reciprocity, and belonging. Presenters will share WH's launch and the infrastructure that enables success: mission-aligned policies; staffing and student ambassadors; hospitality and safety practices; ethical storytelling; and amplifying community voices. Participants will brainstorm how to bring such a hub to their own campuses and communities. Audience: community engagement professionals, community partners, faculty, administrators, and students.