新作坊 Humanity Innovation and Social Practice

How do local communities perceive and engage with university social initiatives? Despite growing attention to this issue, precise answers remain elusive. This is due to the ontological, epistemological, and methodological complexities inherent in university social practices, which often make it difficult to collect empirical evidence. This study aims to address these research gaps through a random telephone survey, collecting 834 valid samples from the Shui-Sha-Lian region (comprising Puli Township, Yuchi Township, Guoxing Township, and Renai Township). By examining concrete case studies, this research explores local perceptions, attitudes, and evaluations of National Chi Nan University’s (NCNU) social engagement efforts.

Since 2013, NCNU has been supported by the National Science Council’s Humanities Innovation and Social Practice Research Program to promote "Transforming and Governing Livable Towns" under the vision "Toward a New Spring in Shui-Sha-Lian." After over a decade of theseefforts, key questions remain: Are local communities aware of the university’s social engagement initiatives? How do they evaluate these efforts? Has NCNU successfully embodied the ideals of University Social Responsibility? Addressing these questions serves as a crucial milestone for NCNU’s social engagement team and provides a foundation for future initiatives.

This study employs quantitative data and case studies for crossvalidation and finds that the residents of Shui-Sha-Lian hold a positive view of NCNU’s decade-long social engagement efforts. They perceive the university as a trustworthy and capable partner, with many residents expressing willingness to collaborate on community initiatives. However, the study also identifies unmet local needs and insufficient civic agency that limit the university’s ability to effectively address various public issues. This research highlights areas where NCNU can further enhance its efforts and underscores the importance of university social engagement programs in promoting local sustainable development. These findings offer valuable references for government agencies and other higher education institutions.