At FIU, we have a responsibility to educate our students and prepare them for successful careers, but beyond that, FIU is dedicated to the pursuit of what is true, good and noble. There is no greater responsibility than ensuring our students are informed, engaged citizens. Joining the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness aligns deeply with FIU's values to foster civic responsibility, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. I am proud to stand alongside fellow university presidents in turning conversations into action. As we celebrate America250, now more than ever, we need leaders committed to preserving those ideals brought to life by our Founding Fathers.

- Jeanette Nuñez
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Activation Plan

Below is an overview of some campus activities: 

  1. FIU’s Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom has advanced civic preparedness through curriculum development and undergraduate and graduate programs focused on leadership, civic literacy, and the foundations of economic and political systems. The Center has also received grants to help hundreds of high school teachers strengthen civic education and prepare students to become informed, engaged citizens and future leaders.
  2. FIU in Washington, D.C., the university’s center in the nation’s capital, engages hundreds of students annually through internships and hosts approximately 500 students each year for intensive fly-in seminars. These experiences emphasize the importance of civic engagement across disciplines, including STEM, engineering, and research. This year’s themes include a preview of the December 2026 G20 Conference in Miami, quantum technology, FIU’s Extreme Events Simulator, and more.
  3. FIU launched its Presidential Lecture Series in 2025 to promote free expression, civil discourse, and civic development. Since then, thousands of students and community members have been invited to participate in conversations, beginning with an inaugural discussion featuring Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert P. George. Both returned in fall 2026 for a second discussion, continuing their dialogue across differing perspectives.
  4. FIU’s America 250 strategy includes activities celebrating civic preparedness and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Initiatives include student-led events, lectures, public exhibits and sculptures, an on-campus 5K, and programming connecting students with American history, civic life, and public service.
  5. FIU’s Office of Public Policy Events advances civic development through respectful debate, free expression, and the exchange of ideas on significant public issues. Programming includes discussions on combating antisemitism, free speech conferences, and forums exploring differing perspectives on development and conservation, immigration, and other public policy debates.

Highlights:

FIU holds two Carnegie Elective Classifications for Community Engagement and Leadership for Public Purpose, recognition of our campus commitment and university-wide adoption of our commitment to civic life and preparedness. We understand that being engaged means civic preparedness and community involvement. We are proud to host multiple centers that showcase our commitment, including the Adam Smith Center, FIU in Washington, D.C., the Gordon Institute, the Center for Leadership and Service, the Center for Community Impact and Public Purpose, and the Green School of International and Public Affairs. 

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Jeanette Nuñez
President, Florida International University

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Join the growing coalition of campus leaders urgently committed to collectively restoring higher education’s role in democracy.
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Jeanette Nuñez
President, Florida International University
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Below is an overview of some campus activities: 

  1. FIU’s Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom has advanced civic preparedness through curriculum development and undergraduate and graduate programs focused on leadership, civic literacy, and the foundations of economic and political systems. The Center has also received grants to help hundreds of high school teachers strengthen civic education and prepare students to become informed, engaged citizens and future leaders.
  2. FIU in Washington, D.C., the university’s center in the nation’s capital, engages hundreds of students annually through internships and hosts approximately 500 students each year for intensive fly-in seminars. These experiences emphasize the importance of civic engagement across disciplines, including STEM, engineering, and research. This year’s themes include a preview of the December 2026 G20 Conference in Miami, quantum technology, FIU’s Extreme Events Simulator, and more.
  3. FIU launched its Presidential Lecture Series in 2025 to promote free expression, civil discourse, and civic development. Since then, thousands of students and community members have been invited to participate in conversations, beginning with an inaugural discussion featuring Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert P. George. Both returned in fall 2026 for a second discussion, continuing their dialogue across differing perspectives.
  4. FIU’s America 250 strategy includes activities celebrating civic preparedness and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Initiatives include student-led events, lectures, public exhibits and sculptures, an on-campus 5K, and programming connecting students with American history, civic life, and public service.
  5. FIU’s Office of Public Policy Events advances civic development through respectful debate, free expression, and the exchange of ideas on significant public issues. Programming includes discussions on combating antisemitism, free speech conferences, and forums exploring differing perspectives on development and conservation, immigration, and other public policy debates.

Highlights:

FIU holds two Carnegie Elective Classifications for Community Engagement and Leadership for Public Purpose, recognition of our campus commitment and university-wide adoption of our commitment to civic life and preparedness. We understand that being engaged means civic preparedness and community involvement. We are proud to host multiple centers that showcase our commitment, including the Adam Smith Center, FIU in Washington, D.C., the Gordon Institute, the Center for Leadership and Service, the Center for Community Impact and Public Purpose, and the Green School of International and Public Affairs. 

At FIU, we have a responsibility to educate our students and prepare them for successful careers, but beyond that, FIU is dedicated to the pursuit of what is true, good and noble. There is no greater responsibility than ensuring our students are informed, engaged citizens. Joining the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness aligns deeply with FIU's values to foster civic responsibility, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. I am proud to stand alongside fellow university presidents in turning conversations into action. As we celebrate America250, now more than ever, we need leaders committed to preserving those ideals brought to life by our Founding Fathers.

- Jeanette Nuñez