Engagement and citizenship : universities in the contemporary world

A key question that confronts universities today is ‘why do we exist?’ Given constraints on public finances, and the many alternative education service providers who boast excellent facilities, why should governments and the broader public invest in us? How do universities actually justify themselves? Such questions give rise to confusion, as the modern university attempts to understand its role in the contemporary world. The aim of this chapter is to reflect on that role. We argue that for universities to survive and flourish, there must be a renewed and increasing focus and emphasis on community engagement and partnership building.