East Texas A&M University believes that higher education has a responsibility not only to prepare students for careers, but also to prepare them for thoughtful participation in civic life. The Civic Commitments and the work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness align closely with our institutional mission to transform lives through education, service, leadership, and community engagement. 

As a regional public university serving East Texas and the Dallas corridor, we see civic preparedness as essential to the health of our communities and to the future of democratic self-governance. Through initiatives such as our developing Civic Foundations and Leadership program, Constitution Day programming, Civil Discourse Symposium, and broader civic engagement efforts, we are working to create opportunities for students to practice civil discourse, engage across differences, and develop the habits of informed citizenship. 

We are pleased to join colleagues across the country who are committed to strengthening civic learning and helping students become not only successful professionals, but capable citizens prepared to contribute meaningfully to public life. 

Below is an overview of some campus activities:

1. Constitution Day – An annual Sept. 17 celebration featuring guest speakers and library activities that promote civic knowledge and constitutional literacy. Supported by a grant from the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History.
2. Civic Affairs Student Club – A nonpartisan student organization that promotes civic learning, leadership development, and democratic participation through activities such as voter registration drives and election watch parties.
3. Honors College Civic-Focused Curriculum – Launching in fall 2026, the Honors College’s refreshed “Connect, Create, and Contribute” curriculum emphasizes civic education, service and engagement across differences. During 2025-26, Honors students completed 243 service activities and earned 133 civic achievements.
4. Alternative Breaks Program – Students participate in service-learning projects across the United States during academic breaks, addressing issues such as poverty, education, and environmental conservation while developing leadership skills and civic responsibility.
5. The BIG Event Community Service Day – Hundreds of students partner with community members and local organizations on service projects that strengthen the region and foster civic engagement. 

Highlights 
Chosen by the Texas A&M University System as one of four regional campuses to host a Civil Discourse Symposium in April 2025.  A full day of student-centered programming focused on skills essential across all disciplines: critical thinking, respectful dialogue, active listening, and thoughtful engagement with differing viewpoints. Students had the opportunity to engage with several Texas state representatives, nationally recognized speakers, and a media panel of national and local journalists.