Exploring Differences in Civic Engagement Structures and Activities Across Institutions of Higher Education

• In Event: 60.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 60.084-14 - Toward an Engaged Institution: Civic Engagement and the Public Good

Abstract

Despite the importance of building civically engaged citizens, few studies have analyzed institutional structures related to civic engagement learning across postsecondary institutions. Using a political theory approach to broadly define civic engagement, we examine organizational structures related to civic engagement across institutions of higher education and compare differences in structures between public/private, liberal arts/research, and religiously affiliated/non-religious institutions. Findings suggest that institutions are more alike in their civic engagement structures than different. The differences that do exist are related to institution-size rather than the aforementioned groups. Such differences include the number of staff members in civic engagement offices, participation in legislative advocacy days and days of service, and service-related scholarships offered to either incoming or current students.

Authors

• Brent Joseph Evans, Vanderbilt University

• Christopher Russell Marsicano, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Courtney Jo Lennartz, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College