Chappy mascot in crowd full of people

Community Engagement

Community partnerships are a critical component of College of DuPage's community engagement. Our community relationships help us prioritize strategies for the future.

The Community Engagement Department believes in the transformative nature of education and strive to positively impact the communities and organizations in District 502.

Welcome to Community Engagement

COD Cares volunteers

What COD Offers the Community

In addition to providing a foundation of academic excellence for students and serving as a homebase for arts and culture in DuPage County, community and business members can take advantage of student-run services and a variety of business and career-related resources.

Native American dancer

Arts and Culture

Discover the robust offerings of the College's Glen Ellyn campus.

Learn More
parent with children petting an animal

Community Resources

Explore how COD supports local residents and organizations.

Learn More
counselor talking to a student

Lifelines Docuseries

Receive support for domestic violence, homelessness/food insecurity and mental health.

Learn More
Students working in the community with shovels

Service to the Community

Learn how the College gives back through both small- and large-scale initiatives.

Learn More

Community Engagement Highlights

Exodus Refugee Simulation

COD campus and community members experienced the challenges faced by refugees forced to flee their homelands during an interactive simulation hosted in partnership with Glen Ellyn Community Relations Commission.

CREO president addresses crowd at Waterleaf restaurant

Sharing current needs of DuPage County's Hispanic/Latinx population and expanding educational partnerships was the goal of a recent meeting between COD and CREO, a local non-profit organization that offers college-centered services to high school students and their families.

Volunteers during the annual gift of giving campaign

COD employees and students made winter warmer by filling tables with healthy food, collecting gently used cold weather essentials and sharing the gift of life as a blood donor.

Cops and student reading in the HEC Street Scene

Recruits in the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at COD provided lessons in safety and shared their love of reading with preschoolers on a recent visit to the College.

Food bank volunteers outside on campus

In partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank, COD distributes fresh, frozen and shelf-stable groceries to more than 125 area families each month.

Tim Henningson

COD Experts: AI in the Classroom

COD English Professor Tim Henningsen specializes in the use of artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance both student learning and teaching practices. Henningsen explores how generative AI platforms can support writing instruction, critical thinking and assignment design while promoting responsible and ethical use. He offers insight into how educators and students alike can adapt to—and benefit from—AI in today’s classroom. Contact Henningsen. 

Contact Information

Joan DiPiero
Community Engagement Coordinator
(630) 942-3872
Email: dipieroj@cod.edu