USRN Online Forum #4: How Do Universities Measure Their Social Impact

In an era where higher education institutions are increasingly called upon to demonstrate their contributions to society, understanding and measuring social impact has become a key priority. This forum will delve into the questions surrounding the definition, assessment, and sustainability of social impact within the university context.

We will explore the multifaceted nature of impact—what it means, how it can be quantified, and the methodologies used to evaluate a university’s role in fostering positive change in the community. With a myriad of factors influencing impact, determining a university’s specific contribution poses unique challenges. This forum will provide a platform for sharing insights and strategies on how institutions can navigate these complexities.

Moderator:
 
Prof Loretta Feris
Vice Principal: Academic
Professor of Environmental Law
University of Pretoria
 
Speakers:

Dr Martina Jordaan
Head: Community Engagement Research and Postgraduate Students
University of Pretoria

Dr Audrey Falk 
Program Director and Professor, Community Engagement
Merrimack College

Ms Diana Hornby
Director, Community Engagement Division
Rhodes University

Ms Megan Donnelley 
Director of Societal Impact and Evaluation
UNSW Sydney

Currently, PolyU serves as the Chair of the USRN Executive Committee and the Network Secretariat is hosted at PolyU's Global Engagement Office.