Community partnerships are a critical component of College of DuPage's community engagement. Our community relationships help us prioritize strategies for the future.
The Community Engagement Department supports the College’s mission to be a center of excellence in teaching, learning and cultural experiences and its vision to be the primary college district residents choose for high quality education. We believe in the transformative nature of education and strive to positively impact the communities and organizations in District 502.
What Is Community Engagement?
In its simplest terms, community engagement seeks to better engage the community to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, processes, relationships and discourse.
COD Cares volunteers build a raised flower bed in the community.
Among its other functions, Community Engagement strives to:
- Collaborate with area community organizations to positively impact the communities in District 502
- Connect community needs with faculty/staff interests and expertise and COD resources
- Collect and maintain data on faculty/staff engagement activities
- Facilitate partnerships between faculty/staff and individuals or organizations in District 502
- Leverage the expertise of COD thought leadership in outreach and engagement activities
At its core, Community Engagement is a strategic connector between the College and the communities it serves.
Community Engagement Highlights
College of DuPage employees volunteer at a food bank in DuPage County.
President Dr. Brian Caputo presents new photographs taken by COD students at the annual Easter Seals Exhibition. COD has partnered with Easter Seals for over 20 years.
COD students perform a service project in the community.
Associate Dean of Public Services Tom Brady discusses educational and career options with local high school students.
What Does COD Offer the Community?
In addition to providing a foundation of academic excellence for students and serving as a homebase for arts and culture in DuPage County, community and business members can take advantage of student-run services and a variety of business and career-related resources.
Community Publications
Connect with College of DuPage through publications that highlight the people, academics and events at Illinois' largest community college.
- 2022 Community Report
- 2021 Community Report
- 2020 Community Report
- COD Now Newsletter
- Engage
- Planning, Reporting and Financial Documents
Contact Information
Subscribe to College of DuPage's quarterly newsletter COD Now to hear from President Dr. Brian Caputo, obtain information on community news and events and read student and staff profiles.
Get more information on classes and programs by visiting us on campus.
For community engagement questions email contactus@cod.edu.