A set of opportunities and living-learning communities that prioritize the intersection of community outreach, experiential learning, and global initiatives.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement at Douglass advances the College’s mission by fostering collaborative, reciprocal, and equity-driven partnerships between students, alumnae, organizations, and communities. Through intentional programming, student leadership development, and sustained relationship-building, Douglass leverages academic and social resources to address real-world needs and empower all participants as active contributors to positive social change.
At a glance
Ten
Living-Learning Communities
For Douglass Students
Explore Community Engagement
The Douglass Community Catalysts Program trains 25-45 ambassadors each year to lead conversations with other students on topics that affect the campus community. The program seeks student leaders that are passionate about causes and initiatives that foster a positive campus environment. Students interested in creating a greater sense of community among Douglass students, celebrating the variety of cultures and experiences within Douglass, and advancing open mindedness and diversity of thought are encouraged to apply.
Douglass Learning Communities are designed to give students a shared experience around their academics and/or residential environment. They connect students to faculty within and beyond the classroom, and help to facilitate students’ transition from high school to college.
From Women’s Day at Douglass to opportunities to attend conferences and off campus experiences, Douglass offers events, trips, and programs throughout the year that connect students to one another and the greater RU community.
Alternative Break Trip coming fall 2025-2026.
Real Issues. Bold Conversations. Strong Impact. Dialogue Through Difference is a two-part series where Douglass students dive into real talk about today’s toughest socio-political issues, while building skills to lead with empathy, listen deeply, and create real change on campus across their various differences. Students train in the CLARA de-escalation method before engaging in a "Dialogue Lab" session.
Douglass partners with companies and nonprofits around the region to deliver students top-tier experiential learning outcomes. Check out networking night!
Douglass Community Engagement Curriculum
As part of your Douglass Curriculum, all students engage with Community Engagement while at Douglass. Community Engagement Counts for R2 of the Douglass curriculum.
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Develop practical skills through action-oriented, real-world projects that address community needs.
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Collaborate with diverse communities and organizations, fostering shared learning and mutual benefit.
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Broaden your perspective by engaging with local knowledge, respecting lived experiences, and understanding power dynamics.
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Build long-term, reciprocal relationships that support community capacity and sustainable impact.
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Empower yourself and others as active contributors to positive social change.
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Any of the following count towards the R2 curriculum:
- Douglass Community Catalysts
- Global Village or Global Leaders
- Barbara Voorhees Mentor Program
- Living-Learning Communities
- RU Alternative Break
- Diversity Peer Educators
- RU FIT Peer Leaders
- Manisfestaciones
- Community Service
- Work with community organizations and agencies
- Advocacy work