In 2010, and again in 2020, UGA was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and public service with the Community Engagement Classification. UGA was one of 115 colleges and universities to achieve this elective classification in 2010.
UGA follows the Carnegie Foundation definition, which defines "Community Engagement" as "the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity."