Engagement is a dual-faceted concept of academic quality focused on promoting student success through the attainment of student learning outcomes and institutional excellence.

It may be defined as (1) the time and effort students meaningfully invest relative to their studies and related educational activities, and (2) the supports, environments, and educational practices which the institution employs to optimize the student experience.

Indicators of engagement tend to fall within the categories of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, and campus environment.

To foster engagement and generate high quality learning, adherence to principles for good practice in undergraduate education is essential. High-impact instructional approaches grounded in experiential learning or work-integrated learning immerse students in focused and interactive learning opportunities, formally and informally, inside and outside of class.

Such high-impact practices are hands-on, integrative, and collaborative experiences where students apply, analyze, synthesize, and reflect on their learning. They are deemed to be “high-impact” and life-changing because students are engaged in educationally purposeful activities and they result in improved academic achievement, student satisfaction, and student persistence.