Office of Community Engagement

At Ball State, we define community engagement as collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

The Office of Community Engagement builds bridges between Ball State University and communities beyond campus, with a priority on Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. We seek the most effective ways to advance community priorities through authentic partnerships, impactful anchor institution commitments, and sustained integration of engagement across teaching, research, and service.

About Us

Major Initiatives

Charlie Cardinal and a girl with Live United t-shirts

Strategic Partnerships

Ball State is proud to partner with many individuals, agencies, and organizations to tackle the greatest needs in our community.

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Neighborhood Development

Established in 2014 through a grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation, the Building Better Neighborhoods (BBN) Initiative connects Ball State’s resources with local neighborhood development efforts.

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Community-Engaged Research and Creative Endeavors

Community-engaged scholarship marries teaching, research, and creative endeavors with community-defined priorities for mutually beneficial outcomes.

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Community Engagement for the Arts Grant Application

The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State's commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation and equitable access to our various community arts organizations.

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Recipient of the 2015 Carnegie Foundation Elective Community Engagement Classification

Member of Engagement Scholarship Consortium

Member of The Community- Engaged Alliance

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For Community Members

It is thanks to you that we can provide community-engaged teaching, research, and learning opportunities. Contact us to learn how Ball State resources can support your organization or initiative through volunteers, interns, immersive learning, neighborhood development, and more!

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Explore the many low- and no-cost programs, facilities, and services that Ball State provides to the community.

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For Faculty & STAFF

We are here to help you connect with the community in meaningful ways – through volunteering, community partnerships, and exploring the vibrancy of Muncie and East Central Indiana.

For Students

Connect your classroom learning with real-world experiences that benefit you and the community.

Office of Community Engagement Blog

Meet Donni, the OCE’s New Graduate Assistant!

In August, we welcomed Adonnika (Donni) West to the Office of Community Engagement as our new Graduate Assistant. (We think she’s awesome, and y …

Available Resources at Ball State

Ball State is proud to be an anchor institution in Muncie, Indiana. Home to about 70,000 people, we have plenty to do right here in town, both on and off campus.

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Our Community

With a population of about 70,000 people, Muncie is home to cultural and recreational amenities such as the Minnetrista, Cardinal Greenways, and Muncie Civic Theatre, plus many opportunities on campus. The city ranks as the most affordable place to live in the U.S., according to Realtor.com, and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has twice recognized Muncie as the Community of the Year.

Explore Muncie

Discover Local Career Opportunities

Muncie Named 2020 All-America City Award Winner

Our city's continued effort to enhance the community's health and well-being earned Muncie the 2020 All-America City Award. Learn more.

Office of Community Engagement

Major Initiatives

Community Engagement for the Arts Grant Application

Available Resources at Ball State

Our Community

Muncie Named 2020 All-America City Award Winner

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