UMass Dartmouth earns prestigious Carnegie classification

UMass Dartmouth is among the 5% of colleges and universities that have been nationally recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement for its community engagement initiatives.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is awarded to colleges and universities that highlights a school’s commitment to community engagement. The classification is awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

UMass Dartmouth was chosen for its impact on local and regional communities through the teaching, research and service initiatives in the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement.

“This recognition reflects the breadth of collaborative, impact-driven work across our campus,” said Chancellor Mark Fuller. “It underscores our commitment to mutual partnerships that address community priorities while enriching academic learning and civic responsibility.”

Earning the classification involved a self-study documenting sustained community partnerships, reciprocal engagement practices and aligning the university’s mission and resources with community needs.

“The Carnegie Classification affirms the powerful work happening in the classroom, across our campus, and in the community,” said Kimberly Scott, the vice chancellor for student affairs. “This work creates new momentum to elevate our public service mission and student impact in the community.”