ASU as an anchor institution
Central to ASU’s charter is a commitment to be fundamentally responsible for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. To achieve this bold mission, ASU partners with the community in mutually beneficial ways — deeply rooted in its place as a vital anchor institution in the local community and beyond.
Carnegie Classification
Carnegie Foundation selects ASU for 2026 community engagement classification
ASU has been selected for the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification—our third time receiving this distinction (2006, 2015, 2026), reflecting our shared commitment to being socially embedded. As we continue to advance ethical, responsible innovation, this recognition honors the partnerships and solutions we co-design together.
The Carnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement is an elective classification, meaning it is based on voluntary participation by institutions. The elective classification involves a self-study with data collection and documentation of important aspects of institutional mission, identity and commitments and requires substantial effort invested by participating institutions. It is an evidence-based documentation of institutional practice to be used in a process of self-assessment and quality improvement.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching launched this Community Engagement designation in 2006. ASU was one of 76 universities to receive the designation in the first year. The American Council on Education (ACE) and Carnegie partnered in 2022 to modernize the Carnegie Classifications. ASU reclassified as a Community Engaged Campus in 2015 and 2026. Read the full announcement on ASU News. View ASU's 2026 submission.