The Center for Community-Based Learning

The Center for Community-Based Learning (CCBL) builds upon UNF’s history of community engagement that began when the University was founded in 1972. Community-Based Transformational Learning is the backbone of UNF’s community engagement efforts as it provides students with rich, real world opportunities that enhance student learning, personal development and civic involvement while also contributing to the enrichment and well-being of the greater Jacksonville community and beyond.  While the University has always had a commitment to the community, the Center was founded in 2009, in support of UNF’s first Quality Enhancement Plan focused on Community-Based Transformational Learning (CBTL). 

Mission 

The Center for Community-Based Learning facilitates the adoption, diffusion and institutionalization of community-based learning and community engagement practices throughout the academic and co-curricular divisions of the University of North Florida.

Vision 

The Center for Community-Based Learning wants every UNF student to meaningfully engage with the greater Jacksonville community through mutually beneficial partnerships. The center of choice for community engagement initiatives, CCBL will provide distinctive programs to develop faculty and staff’s expertise with community engagement pedagogy and practices as well as leadership and enrichment opportunities for students committed to community. Community organizations and members view CCBL as the gateway to connecting with potential collaborators on CBTL courses and other community-engaged efforts.

Values 

•  Partnership and Reciprocity 
•  Diversity and Inclusion 
•  Ethical Education  
•  Service for the Public Good in greater Jacksonville and beyond 
•  Building Strong Communities  

UNF is proud of its distinction as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution (2010) and adopts the Carnegie Foundation's definition of Community Engagement:  

Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.