Community Engagement: Building a Sense of Inclusion to Reduce Undergraduate Attrition

This study investigates the use of Community Engagement to encourage undergraduates to build a sense of inclusion at Griffith University. All Australian universities nominate service as a strategic goal. Additionally, a growing pedagogical focus highlights the importance of community service as an integral component of student development. To-day's youth are thought to be self-centred - described as the 'me' generation not the 'we' generation [5]. In contrast, 92 of 120 students surveyed responded that they welcome the opportunity to contribute to the community and to increase their skills through service. Contrary to some research findings these students did not report lack of time and financial constraints but stated that their perceived barriers to Community Engagement are lack of confidence and knowledge. This is an important study because students who feel included are not only less likely to withdraw from university but also gain skills, confidence and knowledge that enhance their employability