Jan 28, 2026 CSUCI Selected by Carnegie Foundation for 2026 Community Engagement Classification

Jan. 28, 2026 - California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) was among more than 230 U.S. colleges and universities including only one of nine CSU campus' who received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that highlights an institution's commitment to community engagement.

"Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide," said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. "We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors -fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students."

The CE Classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution. The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years with classification cycles in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024, and now 2026. The 2029 cycle will be for first-time applicants.

"This Carnegie Community Engagement Classification affirms what has always been central to Cal State Channel Islands - our deep commitment to serving and learning alongside our community," said CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski. "This recognition reflects the collective work of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners, and our shared belief that higher education has the opportunity and responsibility to create meaningful, reciprocal partnerships that strengthen our region and prepare students to be engaged, compassionate leaders."

The Carnegie Classification recognition echoes the depth and breadth of community-engaged work across CSUCI's divisions and units-including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Business & Financial Affairs, University Advancement, and the Office of the President. The Classification acknowledges the work happening in classrooms and research spaces, in student programs and partnerships, and in the relationships built with surrounding communities.

In the 2026 cycle, 237 institutions earned the CE Classification, joining the 40 institutions classified in 2024 for a total of 277 institutions that currently hold the designation. Of the institutions recognized in 2026, 48 are receiving the classification for the first time, while 189 have previously held it. The 2026 cohort includes a diverse range of institutions, with 157 public institutions, 80 private colleges and universities, and 81 Minority Serving Institutions represented among the recipients.

A listing of all institutions that currently hold the classification endorsement can be accessed at: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carnegie_CurrentClassifiedInstitutions.pdf