College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

🎉 We’re proud to announce the national expansion of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness! Convened by Citizens & Scholars, this unique consortium brings together diverse college presidents to advance free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry on their campuses – essential civic norms to prepare students for democratic life. Initially launched with 15 members in August 2023, the initiative has accelerated momentum and grown to include 61 presidents. Together, these institutions serve a critical mass of over 452,000 students! Members champion the Civic Commitments and are working together to ensure young people are ready to lead our democracy into the future. Amidst the headlines today, this work has never been more important. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Q9VM94 #CSCollegePresidents

College presidents are driving a civic transformation on college campuses, preparing students for active participation in our dynamic, diverse, and often contentious society. See the impact across classrooms, auditoriums, student life, administrative offices, and more in our inaugural progress report: https://buff.ly/3YMEIv0 #CSCollegePresidents

📣 EXCITING NEWS! We just released our FIRST progress report! It's been a challenging year for higher education, but members are making significant progress toward advancing free expression, critical inquiry, and civil discourse on their campuses. Plus, the coalition has seen incredible growth, from 15 to 77 members by June 30! Looking ahead, all presidents are committed to ensuring every student is equipped with the skills, social support, and motivation to engage in civil discourse – a key component of civic preparedness. Explore the momentum happening across campuses nationwide: https://buff.ly/3YMEIv0 #CSCollegePresidents

Proud to have University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Chancellor Donde Plowman join us! 👏

📣 Thrilled to announce that 24 new presidents have joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness consortium! We welcome these leaders to a diverse group of 92 (!!!) members defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry as essential civic norms on college campuses: California State University San Marcos Clark University Davidson College Delta College Franklin & Marshall College Goshen College Haverford College Kenyon College La Roche University Lewis & Clark College Manhattanville University Massachusetts College of Art and Design Mount St. Joseph University Muhlenberg College Muskingum University Oakland University Ohio Northern University Otterbein University SUNY Brockport Rhodes College Salem College University of Tennessee, Knoxville West Los Angeles College Xavier University Learn more: https://buff.ly/4cl3s0a #CSCollegePresidents

👩🏫 Institute for Citizens & Scholars recently hosted a College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Faculty Institute that focused on the challenges of teaching in today's polarized climate. Participants discussed issues such as balancing impartiality and encouraging critical thinking. The conversations emphasized the significance of preparing students with the skills to understand different viewpoints and participate in respectful discussions. Learn more about the Institute's work to support faculty in facilitating civil discourse in the classroom (link in comments). #CivicLearning #Civics #Democracy #CivicEducation #CSCollegePresidents

University of Denver Chancellor Haefner & Rutgers University President Holloway discuss the rise of student activism and the delicate balance between free speech & civic responsibility. Watch full the conversation on PBS The Open Mind: https://buff.ly/4cbifdT #CivicLearning #Civics #Democracy #CivicEducation #CSCollegePresidents

"I think there’s a narrative about higher education that’s completely deficit-based. So if you look at the news and public perception of higher education, you’re seeing decreasing trust, alienation, and a disconnect. And I think there is another story that needs to be told, and it’s a story of an institute like this." - Nick Longo, Providence College Explore more takeaways from the June 2024 Faculty Institute: https://buff.ly/3YjLTu6 #CSCollegePresidents

"Strong students make better teachers, and both help create better citizens." — Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University Empowering students and faculty to engage with complex issues is crucial to higher education's contributions to the common good. President Roth, a member of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, explains why civic education is essential to a thriving democracy. #CSCollegePresidents

🎓 Co-created by the consortium presidents, the Civic Commitments offer a realistic and reasonable blueprint for advancing American higher education’s role in our democracy. Discover what makes the Civic Commitments unique: https://buff.ly/442iq8W #CSCollegePresidents