I joined because higher education must once again become the moral imagination of our democracy. I believe our classrooms are rehearsal spaces for citizenship—where students learn that democracy is not inherited but renewed each time an educated mind chooses courage over cynicism and service over self. The Civic Commitments remind us that universities are not only centers of knowledge, but custodians of conscience and stewards of a fragile experiment called democracy. And like a compass guiding us through uncertain times, these commitments keep us true to our purpose: to prepare citizens who do not merely navigate the world as it is, but who imagine and build the world as it should be.
- Andrés Acebo
Activation Plan
Below is an overview of some campus activities:
1) Community Engagement and Service Learning:
- The Gothic Knight Volunteer Corps continues to expand student involvement in local service initiatives, including partnerships with Jersey City schools, food insecurity programs, and environmental clean-up efforts.
- Faculty are integrating community-based learning projects into coursework across disciplines, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to address community challenges such as housing access, sustainability, and youth mentorship.
2) Dialogue Across Difference
- Intergroup Dialogue workshops are being incorporated into First-Year Seminar and leadership programs to promote empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving among students from diverse backgrounds.
3) Civic Wellness and Belonging
- The Mind, Body, Spirit Initiative connects civic responsibility with personal and community wellness, featuring events like Mind, Body, Spirit Day that promote holistic health, social connection, and civic awareness.
- Ongoing partnerships with local nonprofits and city agencies encourage students to participate in projects that support public health, food security, and mental wellness in Hudson County.
Andrés Acebo
President, New Jersey City University
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Join the growing consoritum of campus leaders urgently committed to collectively restoring higher education’s role in democracy.
Andrés Acebo
President, New Jersey City University
Below is an overview of some campus activities:
1) Community Engagement and Service Learning:
- The Gothic Knight Volunteer Corps continues to expand student involvement in local service initiatives, including partnerships with Jersey City schools, food insecurity programs, and environmental clean-up efforts.
- Faculty are integrating community-based learning projects into coursework across disciplines, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to address community challenges such as housing access, sustainability, and youth mentorship.
2) Dialogue Across Difference
- Intergroup Dialogue workshops are being incorporated into First-Year Seminar and leadership programs to promote empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving among students from diverse backgrounds.
3) Civic Wellness and Belonging
- The Mind, Body, Spirit Initiative connects civic responsibility with personal and community wellness, featuring events like Mind, Body, Spirit Day that promote holistic health, social connection, and civic awareness.
- Ongoing partnerships with local nonprofits and city agencies encourage students to participate in projects that support public health, food security, and mental wellness in Hudson County.
I joined because higher education must once again become the moral imagination of our democracy. I believe our classrooms are rehearsal spaces for citizenship—where students learn that democracy is not inherited but renewed each time an educated mind chooses courage over cynicism and service over self. The Civic Commitments remind us that universities are not only centers of knowledge, but custodians of conscience and stewards of a fragile experiment called democracy. And like a compass guiding us through uncertain times, these commitments keep us true to our purpose: to prepare citizens who do not merely navigate the world as it is, but who imagine and build the world as it should be.
- Andrés Acebo