PACE stands for Participation and Community Engagement. By connecting students with partner organisations, PACE gives Macquarie students the chance to contribute their academic learning, enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the professional workplace.

PACE is a key component of the University's strategic direction, emphasising the University's commitment to excellence in research, learning and teaching and community engagement.

Participation is the third pillar of the undergraduate curriculum; People, Planet and Participation. Participation units enable students to work with partner organisations in a range of workplace activities. Participation activities are similar to:

• internships
• practicums
• field trips with a partnership component
• community service and learning
• community development and/or research projects

Participation units provide an academic framework through which students can engage with the community, learn through participation, develop their capabilities and build on the skills that employers value. By completing a participation unit, students develop all these skills and capabilities, and also gain academic credit towards their degree.

All undergraduate students are currently required to undertake a People unit and a Planet unit. From 2012, Participation units will progressively become an integral part of the Macquarie curriculum.

View the PACE strategic plan to learn more about the PACE Initiative.