Memorial University has always been a publicly engaged institution. Since the founding of the University in 1949, the work of many of Memorial's students, faculty and staff has emphasized the importance of strong, sustained partnerships with members of the public of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

Public Engagement is one of Memorial’s core academic mission areas (along with research and teaching & learning). Guided by the Public Engagement Framework, public engagement is a strength at Memorial, with collaborations and partnerships taking place in all of Memorial’s faculties, schools, and campuses.

Memorial University encourages and provides support for public engagement through units and centres that offer programming to help facilitate public engagement, through funding for public engagement, and through the Public Engagement Framework.