Extending Civic Engagement Across the College Curriculum

1. Extending Civic Engagement Across the College Curriculum Presenter: Robert Kulisheck Professor – Department of Political Science Northern Michigan University

2. Objectives • Describe how extending civic engagement activities can strengthen a university’s overall curriculum • Describe how civic engagement can be combined with academic service learning and other forms of experiential education • Describe how civic engagement can be institutionalized and made a key component of a university’s overall mission • Answer questions and provide an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and experiences

3. Northern Michigan University

4. Northern Michigan University Mission Statement… “…challenges its students, faculty, staff, and alumni to strive for excellence, both inside and outside the classroom, and to become outstanding citizens and leaders.”

5. Some National Trends in Higher Education • At the beginning of the 20th Century, John Dewey advocated learning through practical experience • Recent trends: Experiential Education Practice Oriented Education Academic Service Learning Civic Engagement

6. Some Things to Consider WhenAttempting to Create a Campus-Wide Civic Engagement/Academic Service Learning Program • Build on what you have • Recognize contradictory assumptions • Combine efforts with advocates of other forms of experiential education • Involve a wide range of potential stakeholders • Recognize progress will be slow and incremental

7. NMU’s Civic Education/ Academic Service Learning Program Provides: • Training of faculty new to ASL • Sponsorship of faculty forums • Guest lectures • Faculty development grants • ASL resource materials • Assistance with the identification and development of community partners • Service-oriented student scholarships

8. A vehicle for expanding and institutionalizing Civic Engagement & Academic Service Learning • Civic Engagement/Academic Service Learning are key components of the Superior Edge

9. Superior Edge Civic Engagement and Academic Service Learning activities apply to all four edges of the Superior Edge: • Citizenship • Diversity • Leadership • Real World Students electronically log hours toward the completion of the four “edges.”

10. Citizenship - Campaign Practicum Class

11. Diversity - Volunteering in Northern Tanzania

12. Leadership

13. Real World Experience in Governor Granholm's Office

14. Discussion