Effective community-campus partnerships require clear communication and a commitment to mutual respect. However, navigating feedback mechanisms at large institutions can be challenging for community partners. To address this, recent discussions among higher education professionals has highlighted some innovative approaches to this challenge:
Introducing the Transformational Relationship Evaluation Scale (TRES)
One innovative approach is the Transformational Relationship Evaluation Scale (TRES), part of a broader Reflection Framework designed to evaluate and strengthen community-campus partnerships. This tool, developed by Dr. Patti Clayton and colleagues, helps partners reflect on various aspects of their collaboration, such as power dynamics, decision-making, and resource allocation.
Using TRES, partners can assess their relationship's characteristics—whether exploitative, unilateral, transactional, or transformational—and identify areas for improvement. The Reflection Framework also encourages partners to align their activities with shared values and make actionable changes to deepen their collaboration.
For more details on TRES, explore:
- Relationships and Partnerships in Community–Campus Engagement: Evolving Inquiry and Practice
- Deepening Community-Campus Relationships Using a Critical Reflection Tool: A Multisite, Mixed-Methods Study
Recommendations for Large Institutions
Ohio State University’s service-learning team recently sought feedback mechanisms to support community partners, particularly for situations requiring escalation. Their suggestions include:
- Template Agreements: Specify additional points of contact for both university and community partners.
- Regular Communication: Ensure department chairs and faculty receive guidance on best practices for community engagement.
- Online Feedback Forms: Implement a central feedback system to triage concerns efficiently.
These practices create transparency and foster accountability, enabling community partners to feel supported throughout their engagement.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about TRES or exploring strategies to enhance community feedback channels, contact Dr. Patti Clayton at patti.clayton@curricularengagement.com.
