Enhancing University Community Engagement among Students: An Assessment of effects of pre and post Training program

Abstract

Universities are considered the epicenter of transferring knowledge and transforming societies. Within the context of the mission of university, community engagement holds an important role. In this wake, this article aims to explore the effective training program for university students to foster University Community Engagement (UCE). This study has reviewed the training programs on three inter-related human behavior practices: rational, emotional and spiritual. It has explored the impact of rational, emotional and spiritual trainings on university student to foster University Community Engagement (UCE). The main objective of the study was to evaluate whether the students enhance their UCE practices after the selected trainings were provided to the students. Based on the available research literature, the study has designed a new training manual and concept where university students were trained holistically (rational, emotional and spiritual). The data were collected from the respondents before and after the training. This research indicated that trainings have positive influences on personal and social development and experiences that students’ gained from these trainings and helped them for their future levels of commitments to engage with their communities. This research also offered a deeper understanding about the importance of service learning, particularly trainings, for both students as well as institutions of higher learning. Moreover, this research provides grounds for improving the development of curricula and provisions of training.