At University Outreach and Engagement, we use systems theory and methods to understand the dynamic behavior of complex social and organizational systems. We believe that most important social issues are complex in nature and cannot be understood without understanding the dynamics of the systems within which they are embedded.

At University Outreach and Engagement, we have developed a systemic approach to university-community partnerships, called Systemic Engagement (SE). SE uses systems thinking to conceptualize complex problems and organize responses to them, recognize the degree of uncertainty and unpredictability involved in addressing complex problems, and foster trans-disciplinary team-based approaches to community and systems change.

For more information, contact Miles McNall, Director for Community-Engaged Research, Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship.