Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement
About CPRCE
The Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement (CPRCE) provides regionally-focused research into important questions of policy for the public, non-profit and private sectors of greater Minnesota.
We coordinate research assets of SCSU in academic units across campus, seeking opportunities for policy research and community-focused activity for faculty, staff and students by building teams on demand for our community partners.
CPRCE's Cycle of Engagement
The Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement functions in a continuous loop of engagement, research, education, support and observation of results and changes that leads to further engagement and evaluation.
CPRCE is a strategic asset for the Office of the President to bring high-leverage opportunities in the community to the president’s attention at appropriate times. Demand for presidential attention in the community is high at a time when internal needs are paramount; the core team gives the president a 360° view of community needs. CPRCE is also able to respond to community needs for policy research by drawing on all of the university’s resources.
CPRCE Project Highlight
Minnesota District Judges' Salaries
A report, prepared by Fawad Ali and Dr. King Banaian on behalf of the Minnesota District Judges Association, examines the challenges faced by Minnesota's judiciary due to salary adjustments that have not kept pace with inflation or the rising salaries in the legal market. The authors analyze the negative impact of stagnant wages on the retention and recruitment of judges, highlighting how these factors have contributed to increased turnover and difficulties in attracting qualified candidates. Through a detailed comparison with salaries in both the public and private sectors, the report underscores the need for significant salary adjustments to maintain the competitiveness of judicial positions, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of Minnesota's judiciary.
