Civic Literacy & Inquiry

AASCU Members are supporting students’ critical thinking, civic awareness, and reflective engagement as they navigate complex social and political issues.

The Value

 Empowering students as co-creators of democracy gives them real-world experience shaping policy, leading change, and taking civic action now—not later.
Embedding civic learning across the curriculum equips graduates to make thoughtful decisions in their workplaces, communities, and daily lives.
Building welcoming campus cultures strengthens trust across lines of difference, laying the groundwork for more resilient, united communities.

The Practice

Embed civic learning across disciplines. Integrate civic inquiry, public problem-solving, and policy literacy into courses from STEM to the humanities.
 Support student-led civic action. Provide resources and mentorship for students to organize, advocate, and lead change in their communities.
Center democratic participation in campus life. Host voter registration drives, town halls, and deliberative forums to make civic engagement part of the student experience.
Equip faculty to foster civic development. Support educators in designing courses that explore social responsibility, power, and public voice.
Collaborate with local communities. Build partnerships that allow students to engage with real-world challenges and contribute to public solutions.
Help students see their role in shaping democracy. Design programs that affirm their experiences and inspire agency in civic and community life.