BU Academic Affairs

Butler University provides leadership and resources on campus for connecting University and community so that faculty, staff, students, and community members alike can learn from each other. Our method is not charity or volunteerism but civic engagement, which makes teachers and learners of all involved. Our goal is to help students discover new perspectives, explore ways to sustain healthy communities, and fully consider what it means to be local and global citizens. We want students to make informed decisions about their future and not only find jobs, but also pursue long-lasting, fulfilling careers. 

One way we do this is through our Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR), a Core Curriculum Requirement that has all undergraduate students take courses through their academic track which requires them to engage with the community in a sustained, meaningful way, as well as reflect on their experiences.  The ICR can take many forms, including traditional service learning, participant action research, critical listening strategies, and learning with community. We always strive for reciprocal educational relationship that put our students in conversation with community and driven by community voice.