About Our Office

Mission

The Office of Community Engagement and Scholarship serves as a resource for faculty for the integration of engaged teaching and research, supports students in their development as active citizens and scholars, and develops partnerships with communities as central missions of the University.

History

The College of William and Mary has a long-standing commitment to public and community service.  In recent years, these efforts have been led by offices in both Student and Academic Affairs.

The Office of Student Volunteer Services (OSVS) was established in 1994 to develop a culture of service, as called for in William and Mary's strategic plan.  The OSVS established partnerships with local community agencies and programs such as College Partnership for Kids, Project Phoenix and later, domestic and international service experiences.  

The successful cultivation of a culture of service led to increased involvement in service which led to the opportunity for more curricular structure and faculty involvement.  In 2001, the Sharpe Community Scholars program was created to lead these initiatives.

The new Office of Community Engagement and Scholarship (OCES) is the result of a unique merger between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.  The OCES is a College-wide office, supporting engagement activities developed with students, faculty and community partners.

We Believe:

• Exposure to diverse populations enhances student learning and development.
• Participation in community service enables students to develop a greater sense of commitment to working to solve social issues that are a part of our communities.
• Community involvement establishes mutually beneficial partnerships for both students and community members.