 The Office of Community-Based Research at UVic (OCBR-UVic) is a community–university partnership which supports community engagement and research to create vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities. It officially opened in January 2007 and is supported through the UVic Office of the Vice-President of Research. The OCBR is guided by a Steering Committee and External Advisory Committee.
What do we do?
The OCBR-UVic exists to facilitate collaborative community-university research and partnerships that enhance the quality of life and the economic, environmental and social well-being of communities. OCBR-UVic will create and support:
- New opportunities for collaborative research initiatives and projects on issues that arise from and matter to our communities
- Multi-sectoral partnerships between civil society, non-profit community organizations, First Nations, funding agencies, government, business and the university
- Strong evidence-based recommendations for public policies, programs and practices to meet community needs
- Innovative national and global networks to support community-based research and community-university engagement
- Seminars, colloquia, talks, workshops and courses
Where do we do this?
OCBR-UVic will work primarily in Victoria, the Capital Region District and Vancouver Island. We will develop networks to share research, best practices and to develop new policies and programs provincially, nationally and globally.
How will we work?
The OCBR takes its lead from the University of Victoria strategic plan with its focus on civic/community engagement. The OCBR, as a principle, will not undertake any activities that are already being done by another part of the University of Victoria. We will build on and mobilize existing strengths. The OCBR responds to the institutional desire to strengthen the links between teaching and research, to the interest in increased service learning opportunities for students with community, and to build research capacity within the community itself. A strong focus is placed on the engagement of Aboriginal community partners.
We work systematically and in a mode of mutual support with University Communications, the Teaching and Learning Centre, the Office of Co-operative Education, the Office of Indigenous Affairs (and the LE,NONET project), Student and Ancillary Services, VIPIRG, the Innovation and Development Corporation, Office of International Affairs, and the Division of Continuing Studies. We provide direct support to faculty in the departments, faculties and centres that are pursuing or are interested in pursuing CBR.
OCBR undertook consultations in 2006 with community groups and First Nations on how University of Victoria community engagement, partnerships, research and projects could be supported or improved. Guided by these principles and within the guiding framework supported by the Steering Committee and umbrella supporters such as the United Way of Greater Victoria, we will support capacity building and resource support for CBR initiatives and projects in a leadership, partner and supporter role. Acting as agents and brokers for community engagement and CBR partnerships is our major role.
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