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News & Ideas

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness is proud to publish a series of diverse perspectives, stories, and resources on civil discourse, free expression, and civic preparation from our network of presidents, partners, and practitioners.

Featured image for “Claremont McKenna College hosts discussion on higher ed’s role in developing civic leaders”
Nov. 21, 2024

Claremont McKenna College hosts discussion on higher ed’s role in developing civic leaders

The “Civic Leadership: How Are We Doing?” panel featured CMC President Hiram Chodosh, Citizens & Scholars President Raj Vinnakota, and the Kravis Lab for Civic Leadership’s Vernon Grigg .
Featured image for “University of Pittsburgh hosts a conversation on the role of universities in civic preparedness”
Nov. 15, 2024

University of Pittsburgh hosts a conversation on the role of universities in civic preparedness

Citizens & Scholars president Rajiv Vinnakota alongside Pitt experts emphasized universities’ crucial role in fostering civic preparedness through informed participation and bridging diverse perspectives.
Featured image for “3 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Nov. 15, 2024

3 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of three presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “Rutgers University President Holloway teaches class on civil discourse”
Nov. 04, 2024

Rutgers University President Holloway teaches class on civil discourse

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and Citizens & Scholars President Raj Vinnakota are featured on NJ.com for their discussion during Holloway’s Byrne Seminar.
Featured image for “Can Higher Education Help Renovate American Democracy?”
Oct. 18, 2024

Can Higher Education Help Renovate American Democracy?

Raj Vinnakota was a panelist on Harvard Ash Center’s webinar discussing new campus initiatives for higher education to reassert its vital role in strengthening democracy.
Featured image for “10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Oct. 18, 2024

10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 10 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on NPR Weekend Edition”
Oct. 09, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on NPR Weekend Edition

NPR highlights two member institutions, Clark University and Ohio Wesleyan University, for their efforts to promote productive dialogue on their campuses.
Featured image for “A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms”
Oct. 06, 2024

A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms

Wesleyan University President Michael Roth, a founding member of College Presidents for Preparedness, is featured in this AP News article.
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: The Future of College Campuses”
Oct. 04, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: The Future of College Campuses

Janett Cordovés, Senior Program Director, and two Faculty Fellows share how the Faculty Institute is reshaping campus culture around fostering civil discourse.
Featured image for “Raj Vinnakota Delivers Constitution Day Lecture at JMU”
Oct. 04, 2024

Raj Vinnakota Delivers Constitution Day Lecture at JMU

James Madison University welcomes Raj Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, as the keynote speaker for Constitution Day.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on the College Uncovered podcast”
Sep. 19, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on the College Uncovered podcast

The College Uncovered episode discusses new campus protest policies, student activism, and how institutions like Hamilton College, Dartmouth, and Ohio Wesleyan University are promoting civil discourse training.
Featured image for “9 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Sep. 13, 2024

9 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 9 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “Raj Vinnakota on How to Stop Campus from Boiling Over”
Sep. 10, 2024

Raj Vinnakota on How to Stop Campus from Boiling Over

Citizens & Scholars president Raj Vinnakota was a guest on Yascha Mounk’s podcast The Good Fight discussing the work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness. 
Featured image for “Can You Teach Free Speech? These Colleges Are Trying.”
Sep. 03, 2024

Can You Teach Free Speech? These Colleges Are Trying.

A Chronicle of Higher Education article highlights College Presidents for Civic Preparedness and the focus on free expression and civil discourse on campuses.
Featured image for “Local colleges brace for campus protests, disruption”
Aug. 28, 2024

Local colleges brace for campus protests, disruption

Dartmouth and Hamilton College are highlighted in a WGBH article for their efforts to prioritize civil discourse on campus this fall.
Featured image for “Gettysburg College Kicks Off Conversations for Change Initiative”
Aug. 27, 2024

Gettysburg College Kicks Off Conversations for Change Initiative

Raj Vinnakota, President of Citizens & Scholars, served as the keynote speaker at Gettysburg College to kick off its Conversations for Change Initiative focused on civil discourse.
Featured image for “The “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness” have an Agenda”
Aug. 27, 2024

The “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness” have an Agenda

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and Bennington President Laura Walker were featured in LearningWell, discussing how higher ed can reclaim its public good role and foster civil discourse on campuses.
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Meeting Higher Ed’s Democratic Mission”
Aug. 23, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Meeting Higher Ed’s Democratic Mission

Janett Cordovés, Senior Program Director, and two Faculty Fellows share how the Faculty Institute is an effective intervention to help reinstitute the democratic aim of higher education.
Featured image for “Anticipating More Unrest, Colleges Prioritize Civic Dialogue”
Aug. 21, 2024

Anticipating More Unrest, Colleges Prioritize Civic Dialogue

Hamilton College and Ohio Wesleyan University are featured in an Inside Higher Ed article on civil discourse.
Featured image for “Just released – From Polarization to Progress: College Presidents Join Forces”
Aug. 15, 2024

Just released – From Polarization to Progress: College Presidents Join Forces

Inaugural progress report highlights the remarkable strides college presidents have made in fostering free expression, critical inquiry, and civil discourse during an exceptionally challenging year for higher education.
Featured image for “24 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Aug. 08, 2024

24 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 24 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “John Dewey 90 Years Later: How the Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy”
Jul. 29, 2024

John Dewey 90 Years Later: How the Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy

The two-day conference will feature a series of panels that examine critical challenges confronting democracy, liberal arts education, and free inquiry in the United States.
Featured image for “Is Neutrality Possible…or Even Necessary? Reflections from the 2024 Faculty Institute”
Jul. 24, 2024

Is Neutrality Possible…or Even Necessary? Reflections from the 2024 Faculty Institute

What’s the best way to facilitate civil discourse and encourage critical inquiry in the classroom?  
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Inside the June Institute”
Jul. 12, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Inside the June Institute

Dispatch from the Faculty Institute, which helps interdisciplinary educators across the country gain the skills and confidence to redesign or create new courses that promote dialogue across difference and become champions of this work on their campuses.
Featured image for “Preparing College Students for Civic Life”
Jul. 09, 2024

Preparing College Students for Civic Life

Rajiv Vinnakota talks with The Best of Our Knowledge host Jody Cowan about the work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness in preparing students for civic life.
Featured image for “Promoting Democracy in Higher Education”
Jun. 11, 2024

Promoting Democracy in Higher Education

Raj Vinnakota talks with Kristen Cambell, CEO of PACE, and Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor, University of Denver, on the Keeping PACE podcast about the challenges colleges face when they try to take on civic preparation in a major way.
Featured image for “Protecting Free Speech, Promoting Free Inquiry”
Jun. 10, 2024

Protecting Free Speech, Promoting Free Inquiry

5 recommendations for campus leaders as they prepare for student protests to resume this fall.
Featured image for “10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Jun. 10, 2024

10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

10 presidents join the consortium of leaders of diverse institutions from across the country who are uniting to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens.
Featured image for “Universities Must Renew Their Commitment to Democracy”
May. 30, 2024

Universities Must Renew Their Commitment to Democracy

A bold, fresh approach nurtures civic readiness, embraces diversity, and fosters free expression in higher education.
Featured image for “Faculty Institute Impact”
May. 20, 2024

Faculty Institute Impact

Faculty are provided the resources, support, and opportunities to hear and work with experts and one another and to apply and practice civil discourse.
Featured image for “Civic Learning in Higher Education: What Works?”
May. 17, 2024

Civic Learning in Higher Education: What Works?

Measurement Working Group participants were provided tools, resources, support, and peer convenings to strengthen their own approaches to assessing civic learning and leadership.
Featured image for “What’s The Role Of College Presidents In Fostering Civic Engagement For Democracy?”
May. 16, 2024

What’s The Role Of College Presidents In Fostering Civic Engagement For Democracy?

The work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness in upholding free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry on campuses is highlighted in this Forbes article.
Featured image for “Members of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Make an Impact”
May. 15, 2024

Members of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Make an Impact

Presidents have implemented programming on their campuses to advance the principles of free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry.
Featured image for “College President Convocation Speech Highlights”
May. 13, 2024

College President Convocation Speech Highlights

College presidents reference the civic commitments in their convocation speeches.
Featured image for “61 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses”
Apr. 18, 2024

61 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses

Participating presidents will take campus-specific and collective action, reflecting three shared Civic Commitments.
Featured image for “Takeaways from UChicago Forum for Free Inquiry”
Apr. 07, 2024

Takeaways from UChicago Forum for Free Inquiry

Dispatch from University of Chicago’s Inaugural Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
Featured image for “Overcoming Polarization: Building Bridges in the College Classroom”
Apr. 01, 2024

Overcoming Polarization: Building Bridges in the College Classroom

The Faculty Institute is having a positive impact on creating a network of faculty, as well as pedagogical and practical changes to classroom design and the field of higher education in general.
Featured image for “Civil Discourse and Advancing the Collective Good in Higher Education”
Mar. 27, 2024

Civil Discourse and Advancing the Collective Good in Higher Education

Higher education is charged to help shape the next generation of empowered citizens. Yet we’re seeing weekly headlines about the debate and demise of free expression and critical inquiry on college campuses.
Featured image for “Colleges Must Do More to Help Students Manage Conflict and Have Civil Debate”
Mar. 13, 2024

Colleges Must Do More to Help Students Manage Conflict and Have Civil Debate

Higher ed must take the lead in preparing students with the interpersonal skills necessary for civil discourse and civic engagement.
Featured image for “Civic Education Must be Made Priority for Young People, Panel Says”
Feb. 29, 2024

Civic Education Must be Made Priority for Young People, Panel Says

Dispatch from the Democracy in Action convening at Wesleyan University
Featured image for “JMU Professor Lori Britt on Difficult Conversations in the Classroom”
Feb. 29, 2024

JMU Professor Lori Britt on Difficult Conversations in the Classroom

Dr. Britt shares insights into her Faculty Institute experience and how it has impacted her classroom instruction.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Convening at Howard University”
Jan. 26, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Convening at Howard University

Dispatch from the from the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness convening at Howard University.
Featured image for “Argue Joyfully: University of Pittsburgh Commencement Address”
Dec. 18, 2023

Argue Joyfully: University of Pittsburgh Commencement Address

The Institute for Citizens & Scholars president Rajiv Vinnakota gave the Winter Commencement address at the University of Pittsburgh.
Featured image for “AEI’s Restoring Free Inquiry & Civility in Higher Education Webinar”
Dec. 13, 2023

AEI’s Restoring Free Inquiry & Civility in Higher Education Webinar

Wide-ranging conversation touches on free speech, ways to equip students with civic skills and how to prepare faculty to facilitate deliberative debate in their classrooms.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Spotlight”
Dec. 06, 2023

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Spotlight

From facilitating guest lectures to introducing faculty training on civil discourse and creating student programming around civic skills, participating institutions are recentering their commitment to developing thoughtful, effective citizens.
Featured image for “Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast – Free Speech, Civility, and College Campuses”
Nov. 30, 2023

Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast – Free Speech, Civility, and College Campuses

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway talks about the importance of free speech, respectful debate, and civility.
Featured image for “UVA Higher Ed Summit on Free Speech & Intellectual Diversity”
Nov. 29, 2023

UVA Higher Ed Summit on Free Speech & Intellectual Diversity

Attendees shared ideas on how to support free speech and intellectual diversity on their respective campuses.
Featured image for “PBS, CNN, Forbes, and More Showcase Campus Call for Free Expression”
Oct. 11, 2023

PBS, CNN, Forbes, and More Showcase Campus Call for Free Expression

Media highlights of the launch of Campus Call for Free Expression.
Featured image for “Rajiv Vinnakota & President Holloway: Rutgers University Seminar”
Sep. 21, 2023

Rajiv Vinnakota & President Holloway: Rutgers University Seminar

President Jonathan Holloway welcomes Rajiv Vinnakota to the Rutgers campus for the first 2023 Byrne Seminar Citizenship, Institutions, and the Public.
Featured image for “We Are Standing Up for Free Speech on Campus”
Sep. 03, 2023

We Are Standing Up for Free Speech on Campus

The cracks in the foundation of our republic are too large to ignore; our democracy is in crisis.
Featured image for “News Roundup: Campus Call for Free Expression”
Aug. 23, 2023

News Roundup: Campus Call for Free Expression

Check out media highlights from the launch of Campus Call for Free Expression.
Featured image for “Strong Students Make Better Teachers, And Both Create Better Citizens”
Aug. 15, 2023

Strong Students Make Better Teachers, And Both Create Better Citizens

Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University shares how promoting civic literacy and political participation is a great step in helping universities make a deeper contribution to public life.
Featured image for “15 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness Across the Country”
Aug. 15, 2023

15 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness Across the Country

Presidents from public flagship universities, Ivy-plus campuses, HBCUs, STEM-focused schools, liberal arts colleges, and faith-based institutions are uniting to prepare today’s youth to be well-informed, engaged, and committed citizens

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness is proud to publish a series of diverse perspectives, stories, and resources on civil discourse, free expression, and civic preparation from our network of presidents, partners, and practitioners.

Featured image for “Claremont McKenna College hosts discussion on higher ed’s role in developing civic leaders”
Nov. 21, 2024

Claremont McKenna College hosts discussion on higher ed’s role in developing civic leaders

The “Civic Leadership: How Are We Doing?” panel featured CMC President Hiram Chodosh, Citizens & Scholars President Raj Vinnakota, and the Kravis Lab for Civic Leadership’s Vernon Grigg .
Featured image for “University of Pittsburgh hosts a conversation on the role of universities in civic preparedness”
Nov. 15, 2024

University of Pittsburgh hosts a conversation on the role of universities in civic preparedness

Citizens & Scholars president Rajiv Vinnakota alongside Pitt experts emphasized universities’ crucial role in fostering civic preparedness through informed participation and bridging diverse perspectives.
Featured image for “3 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Nov. 15, 2024

3 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of three presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “Rutgers University President Holloway teaches class on civil discourse”
Nov. 04, 2024

Rutgers University President Holloway teaches class on civil discourse

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and Citizens & Scholars President Raj Vinnakota are featured on NJ.com for their discussion during Holloway’s Byrne Seminar.
Featured image for “Can Higher Education Help Renovate American Democracy?”
Oct. 18, 2024

Can Higher Education Help Renovate American Democracy?

Raj Vinnakota was a panelist on Harvard Ash Center’s webinar discussing new campus initiatives for higher education to reassert its vital role in strengthening democracy.
Featured image for “10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Oct. 18, 2024

10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 10 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on NPR Weekend Edition”
Oct. 09, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on NPR Weekend Edition

NPR highlights two member institutions, Clark University and Ohio Wesleyan University, for their efforts to promote productive dialogue on their campuses.
Featured image for “A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms”
Oct. 06, 2024

A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms

Wesleyan University President Michael Roth, a founding member of College Presidents for Preparedness, is featured in this AP News article.
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: The Future of College Campuses”
Oct. 04, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: The Future of College Campuses

Janett Cordovés, Senior Program Director, and two Faculty Fellows share how the Faculty Institute is reshaping campus culture around fostering civil discourse.
Featured image for “Raj Vinnakota Delivers Constitution Day Lecture at JMU”
Oct. 04, 2024

Raj Vinnakota Delivers Constitution Day Lecture at JMU

James Madison University welcomes Raj Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, as the keynote speaker for Constitution Day.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on the College Uncovered podcast”
Sep. 19, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness featured on the College Uncovered podcast

The College Uncovered episode discusses new campus protest policies, student activism, and how institutions like Hamilton College, Dartmouth, and Ohio Wesleyan University are promoting civil discourse training.
Featured image for “9 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Sep. 13, 2024

9 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 9 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “Raj Vinnakota on How to Stop Campus from Boiling Over”
Sep. 10, 2024

Raj Vinnakota on How to Stop Campus from Boiling Over

Citizens & Scholars president Raj Vinnakota was a guest on Yascha Mounk’s podcast The Good Fight discussing the work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness. 
Featured image for “Can You Teach Free Speech? These Colleges Are Trying.”
Sep. 03, 2024

Can You Teach Free Speech? These Colleges Are Trying.

A Chronicle of Higher Education article highlights College Presidents for Civic Preparedness and the focus on free expression and civil discourse on campuses.
Featured image for “Local colleges brace for campus protests, disruption”
Aug. 28, 2024

Local colleges brace for campus protests, disruption

Dartmouth and Hamilton College are highlighted in a WGBH article for their efforts to prioritize civil discourse on campus this fall.
Featured image for “Gettysburg College Kicks Off Conversations for Change Initiative”
Aug. 27, 2024

Gettysburg College Kicks Off Conversations for Change Initiative

Raj Vinnakota, President of Citizens & Scholars, served as the keynote speaker at Gettysburg College to kick off its Conversations for Change Initiative focused on civil discourse.
Featured image for “The “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness” have an Agenda”
Aug. 27, 2024

The “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness” have an Agenda

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and Bennington President Laura Walker were featured in LearningWell, discussing how higher ed can reclaim its public good role and foster civil discourse on campuses.
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Meeting Higher Ed’s Democratic Mission”
Aug. 23, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Meeting Higher Ed’s Democratic Mission

Janett Cordovés, Senior Program Director, and two Faculty Fellows share how the Faculty Institute is an effective intervention to help reinstitute the democratic aim of higher education.
Featured image for “Anticipating More Unrest, Colleges Prioritize Civic Dialogue”
Aug. 21, 2024

Anticipating More Unrest, Colleges Prioritize Civic Dialogue

Hamilton College and Ohio Wesleyan University are featured in an Inside Higher Ed article on civil discourse.
Featured image for “Just released – From Polarization to Progress: College Presidents Join Forces”
Aug. 15, 2024

Just released – From Polarization to Progress: College Presidents Join Forces

Inaugural progress report highlights the remarkable strides college presidents have made in fostering free expression, critical inquiry, and civil discourse during an exceptionally challenging year for higher education.
Featured image for “24 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Aug. 08, 2024

24 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

A new group of 24 presidents of diverse higher education institutions from across the country have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness.
Featured image for “John Dewey 90 Years Later: How the Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy”
Jul. 29, 2024

John Dewey 90 Years Later: How the Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy

The two-day conference will feature a series of panels that examine critical challenges confronting democracy, liberal arts education, and free inquiry in the United States.
Featured image for “Is Neutrality Possible…or Even Necessary? Reflections from the 2024 Faculty Institute”
Jul. 24, 2024

Is Neutrality Possible…or Even Necessary? Reflections from the 2024 Faculty Institute

What’s the best way to facilitate civil discourse and encourage critical inquiry in the classroom?  
Featured image for “5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Inside the June Institute”
Jul. 12, 2024

5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: Inside the June Institute

Dispatch from the Faculty Institute, which helps interdisciplinary educators across the country gain the skills and confidence to redesign or create new courses that promote dialogue across difference and become champions of this work on their campuses.
Featured image for “Preparing College Students for Civic Life”
Jul. 09, 2024

Preparing College Students for Civic Life

Rajiv Vinnakota talks with The Best of Our Knowledge host Jody Cowan about the work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness in preparing students for civic life.
Featured image for “Promoting Democracy in Higher Education”
Jun. 11, 2024

Promoting Democracy in Higher Education

Raj Vinnakota talks with Kristen Cambell, CEO of PACE, and Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor, University of Denver, on the Keeping PACE podcast about the challenges colleges face when they try to take on civic preparation in a major way.
Featured image for “Protecting Free Speech, Promoting Free Inquiry”
Jun. 10, 2024

Protecting Free Speech, Promoting Free Inquiry

5 recommendations for campus leaders as they prepare for student protests to resume this fall.
Featured image for “10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness”
Jun. 10, 2024

10 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

10 presidents join the consortium of leaders of diverse institutions from across the country who are uniting to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens.
Featured image for “Universities Must Renew Their Commitment to Democracy”
May. 30, 2024

Universities Must Renew Their Commitment to Democracy

A bold, fresh approach nurtures civic readiness, embraces diversity, and fosters free expression in higher education.
Featured image for “Faculty Institute Impact”
May. 20, 2024

Faculty Institute Impact

Faculty are provided the resources, support, and opportunities to hear and work with experts and one another and to apply and practice civil discourse.
Featured image for “Civic Learning in Higher Education: What Works?”
May. 17, 2024

Civic Learning in Higher Education: What Works?

Measurement Working Group participants were provided tools, resources, support, and peer convenings to strengthen their own approaches to assessing civic learning and leadership.
Featured image for “What’s The Role Of College Presidents In Fostering Civic Engagement For Democracy?”
May. 16, 2024

What’s The Role Of College Presidents In Fostering Civic Engagement For Democracy?

The work of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness in upholding free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry on campuses is highlighted in this Forbes article.
Featured image for “Members of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Make an Impact”
May. 15, 2024

Members of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Make an Impact

Presidents have implemented programming on their campuses to advance the principles of free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry.
Featured image for “College President Convocation Speech Highlights”
May. 13, 2024

College President Convocation Speech Highlights

College presidents reference the civic commitments in their convocation speeches.
Featured image for “61 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses”
Apr. 18, 2024

61 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses

Participating presidents will take campus-specific and collective action, reflecting three shared Civic Commitments.
Featured image for “Takeaways from UChicago Forum for Free Inquiry”
Apr. 07, 2024

Takeaways from UChicago Forum for Free Inquiry

Dispatch from University of Chicago’s Inaugural Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
Featured image for “Overcoming Polarization: Building Bridges in the College Classroom”
Apr. 01, 2024

Overcoming Polarization: Building Bridges in the College Classroom

The Faculty Institute is having a positive impact on creating a network of faculty, as well as pedagogical and practical changes to classroom design and the field of higher education in general.
Featured image for “Civil Discourse and Advancing the Collective Good in Higher Education”
Mar. 27, 2024

Civil Discourse and Advancing the Collective Good in Higher Education

Higher education is charged to help shape the next generation of empowered citizens. Yet we’re seeing weekly headlines about the debate and demise of free expression and critical inquiry on college campuses.
Featured image for “Colleges Must Do More to Help Students Manage Conflict and Have Civil Debate”
Mar. 13, 2024

Colleges Must Do More to Help Students Manage Conflict and Have Civil Debate

Higher ed must take the lead in preparing students with the interpersonal skills necessary for civil discourse and civic engagement.
Featured image for “Civic Education Must be Made Priority for Young People, Panel Says”
Feb. 29, 2024

Civic Education Must be Made Priority for Young People, Panel Says

Dispatch from the Democracy in Action convening at Wesleyan University
Featured image for “JMU Professor Lori Britt on Difficult Conversations in the Classroom”
Feb. 29, 2024

JMU Professor Lori Britt on Difficult Conversations in the Classroom

Dr. Britt shares insights into her Faculty Institute experience and how it has impacted her classroom instruction.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Convening at Howard University”
Jan. 26, 2024

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Convening at Howard University

Dispatch from the from the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness convening at Howard University.
Featured image for “Argue Joyfully: University of Pittsburgh Commencement Address”
Dec. 18, 2023

Argue Joyfully: University of Pittsburgh Commencement Address

The Institute for Citizens & Scholars president Rajiv Vinnakota gave the Winter Commencement address at the University of Pittsburgh.
Featured image for “AEI’s Restoring Free Inquiry & Civility in Higher Education Webinar”
Dec. 13, 2023

AEI’s Restoring Free Inquiry & Civility in Higher Education Webinar

Wide-ranging conversation touches on free speech, ways to equip students with civic skills and how to prepare faculty to facilitate deliberative debate in their classrooms.
Featured image for “College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Spotlight”
Dec. 06, 2023

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Spotlight

From facilitating guest lectures to introducing faculty training on civil discourse and creating student programming around civic skills, participating institutions are recentering their commitment to developing thoughtful, effective citizens.
Featured image for “Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast – Free Speech, Civility, and College Campuses”
Nov. 30, 2023

Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast – Free Speech, Civility, and College Campuses

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway talks about the importance of free speech, respectful debate, and civility.
Featured image for “UVA Higher Ed Summit on Free Speech & Intellectual Diversity”
Nov. 29, 2023

UVA Higher Ed Summit on Free Speech & Intellectual Diversity

Attendees shared ideas on how to support free speech and intellectual diversity on their respective campuses.
Featured image for “PBS, CNN, Forbes, and More Showcase Campus Call for Free Expression”
Oct. 11, 2023

PBS, CNN, Forbes, and More Showcase Campus Call for Free Expression

Media highlights of the launch of Campus Call for Free Expression.
Featured image for “Rajiv Vinnakota & President Holloway: Rutgers University Seminar”
Sep. 21, 2023

Rajiv Vinnakota & President Holloway: Rutgers University Seminar

President Jonathan Holloway welcomes Rajiv Vinnakota to the Rutgers campus for the first 2023 Byrne Seminar Citizenship, Institutions, and the Public.
Featured image for “We Are Standing Up for Free Speech on Campus”
Sep. 03, 2023

We Are Standing Up for Free Speech on Campus

The cracks in the foundation of our republic are too large to ignore; our democracy is in crisis.
Featured image for “News Roundup: Campus Call for Free Expression”
Aug. 23, 2023

News Roundup: Campus Call for Free Expression

Check out media highlights from the launch of Campus Call for Free Expression.
Featured image for “Strong Students Make Better Teachers, And Both Create Better Citizens”
Aug. 15, 2023

Strong Students Make Better Teachers, And Both Create Better Citizens

Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University shares how promoting civic literacy and political participation is a great step in helping universities make a deeper contribution to public life.
Featured image for “15 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness Across the Country”
Aug. 15, 2023

15 College Presidents Unite to Advance Civic Preparedness Across the Country

Presidents from public flagship universities, Ivy-plus campuses, HBCUs, STEM-focused schools, liberal arts colleges, and faith-based institutions are uniting to prepare today’s youth to be well-informed, engaged, and committed citizens