University public engagement: The perspective of a Chilean institution in a process of reappraisal of extensión, linkage with the context and communications

University public engagement has become a topic of renewed interest, and institutions are increasingly required to engage with communities in order to promote the impact of their research. This qualitative case study focuses on a Chilean public university developing a process of reappraisal of extensión, linkage with the context and communications, aimed to construct a form, indicators, rubric and definitions to include engagement as a criterion for academic and institutional assessment systems. The rationale for this study emanates from an interest in understanding the meaning and significance attached to public engagement at a Latin American public institution, and how these reflect on the role of the university in society.
The research questions relate to the context of the reappraisal process, the way it was organised and developed, and the extent to which its outcomes satisfy the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Data collection methods included interviews, focus groups, observation and document analysis. Participants comprised academic and non-academic staff, students and community members, focusing on the group that led the reappraisal process and the case of three specific departments.
The results show a perspective of public engagement grounded in a Latin American tradition of social purpose, where influencing public policy and contributing to the country’s development is the main goal, and links with the civil society and the public sector are the most highly valued. A perspective of extensión as a way of preserving the university commitment to the public good and its character as a public institution was identified, contrasted by a relation with the community that was respectful, but tends not to consider it as a source of valuable knowledge. A framework of goals, partners and ways to engage was generated, which can be used by practitioners and researchers to plan or evaluate public engagement activities.