An experiment in engagement

In response to the Oct. 21 editorial "DukeEngage makes headway," I want to commend The Chronicle Editorial Board for its well-informed and thoughtful observations, above and beyond other DukeEngage-related articles and editorials published this year. The coverage has proven timely and constructive.

This most recent editorial questions whether there has been excess funding for DukeEngage students' individual projects. To ensure this does not occur, we are developing a model for student stipends that appropriately funds students in their chosen communities-but no more. We are confident that variable student stipends more closely tied to the expense of extended-stay travel and local cost-of-living will help ensure that we are being responsible stewards of our funds.

The Chronicle Editorial Board has also encouraged DukeEngage to, again, allow students to apply for up to three group programs of various types. Last year, this broad availability created an unwieldy and cumbersome application and review process. With the inclusion of a formal interview component this year, we believe that limiting group program applications to no more than two will lead to greater efficiency and transparency in the process and a better program fit overall for those who participate in 2009. To clarify, students are only required to apply to a domestic program if they submit more than one program application. Many, including columnists of The Chronicle, have called on DukeEngage for more domestic civic engagement opportunities. We are thrilled to have been able to double our domestic offerings for 2009 and look forward to seeing the benefits of a greater number of students committing themselves to service within the United States.

I feel honored to be leading this bold-and yes, still young-undergraduate initiative. President Richard Brodhead has remarked that DukeEngage is an experiment in the works. I invite everyone to participate in this experiment: Help us collect data, share ideas and concerns and assist us in making DukeEngage a program that empowers our Duke community and the communities we serve.

Eric Mlyn

Director, Duke Center for Civic Engagement