The Elective Classification For Community Engagement

2026 cycle timeline overview

• Framework (application questions) released and application available:  January 26, 2024
• Purchase/Initiate an Application by: November 4, 2024
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
• Campuses Notified: December 2025
• Public Announcement: January 2026

Campuses that have not previously received the classification will submit an application using the 2026 First-time Classification framework which is currently being revised. In preparation for the 2026 First-time Classification framework, campuses may review the 2024 First-time Classification framework:

• 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement First Time Framework
• 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement First Time Classification Guide(updated May 10, 2022)

Campuses that received the classification in 2015 and are seeking to retain the classification will submit an application using the 2026 Re-Classification framework which is currently being revised. In preparation for the 2026 Re-Classification framework, campuses may review the 2024 Re-Classification framework :

• 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Re-Classification Framework
• 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Re-Classification Guide(updated May 10, 2022)
• 2024 Community Partner Survey Information

What if my campus was classified in 2015 and needs to re-classify in 2025?

Campuses that need to re-classify in 2025 are encouraged to apply for the 2026 cycles.

What data can be used in the application?

Typically, the data provided in the application should reflect the most recent academic year. However, we understand that COVID has likely impacted data from 2021-2022.

For the 2026 cycle, campuses may use data from AY 2021-22, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 within the application. Campuses may use the data that provides the best representation of their community engagement: data provided for one question or set of questions can be from one academic year and data provided for another question or set of questions can be from a different academic year.

For each question and/or example, indicate the year that the data represents. For example: “(AY 2021-22)” or “In 2022-23, the Center for Community Engagement…”

Applications are available on GivePulse.com. Institutional representatives should visit the application payment page via GivePulse, where they will be prompted to select an application type (first-time or re-classification). After the payment is complete, an email receipt will be generated and will include a unique link to the classification framework application portal. There, you will be able to complete the application and save your progress as a draft.

Applications must be initiated by November 4, 2024. Campuses can cancel an initiated application and request a refund until March 15, 2025.

I’ve registered for the application. How do I access my institution’s application on GivePulse?

1. Log in to http://www.givepulse.com
2. From the account navigation on the top right corner, select “My Activity” and then “Surveys”
3. Select the survey “First Time Classification” or “Re-Classification: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching” depending on your institution’s application status
4. Within the application, there is a tab “Collaborators”. Within this section, you can add the names and email address of the individuals who will prepare the application.

Application Fees

Application fees are collected to support the administration of the Elective Classifications. The 2026 cycle of the Elective Classification for Community Engagement will institute a sliding scale fee structure. The Elective Classification for Community Engagement, in principle, is intended to be a tool of continuous improvement and building a community of practice. As stewards of the classification, we believe that varied perspectives among applicants and classified institutions are the pillar of advancing the practices of engaging in mutually beneficial and reciprocal community partnerships to contribute to the public good. It is therefore essential that the classification be accessible to institutions of higher education from diverse contexts.

The prior flat-rate fee structure ascribed to the common confusion between what is “equal” and what is “equitable.” An application fee according to an institution’s available resources – as designated by instructional expenses and the number of FTEs – constitutes a more equitable system for applying for the classification. Instituting a sliding scale adheres to the principles of economic justice while also securing the requisite financial resources to administer the classification.

The Classification is intended to invite wide participation and not exclude any campus from participating because of the inability to cover the application fee. Campuses may request a fee waiver prior to accessing the online application by emailing us at carnegie@acenet.edu.

I’ve registered for the application. How do I access my institution’s application on GivePulse?

1. Log in to http://www.givepulse.com
2. From the account navigation on the top right corner, select “My Activity” and then “Surveys”
3. Select the survey “First Time Classification” or “Re-Classification: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching” depending on your institution’s application status
4. Within the application, there is a tab “Collaborators”. Within this section, you can add the names and email address of the individuals who will prepare the application.

Complete application by April 1, 2025. Campuses will be notified in December 2025, with a public announcement being made in January 2026.