You're Invited: How Can Research on Civic Identities of Students and Alumni Spark Innovations in Civic Engagement?

Did you get your start in community engagement as a result of your higher education experience? Perhaps you learned about critical social issues in a certain professor's class or volunteered with a particular student club to make a difference in your local college community? In an effort to discover innovative strategies for developing civic knowledge, skills, and collective action among students and alumni, the Jandris Center for Innovative Higher Education presents "How Can Research on Civic Identities of Students and Alumni Spark Innovations in Civic Engagement?" Join the conversation to garner key insights on civic identities of students and alumni  from an interactive panel of professionals in higher education, and consider adding your story to their emerging research!

Description: 

This interactive event will engage panelists and participants, both in person and online, in a discussion of emerging research exploring civic identities of students and alumni. This discussion will challenge participants to consider innovative strategies for developing civic knowledge, skills, and collective action among students and alumni. Some of the key questions that will be addressed include: 

• What frameworks and perspectives might help inform civic engagement scholarship and practice?
• Which students and alumni are more likely to volunteer, advocate, “do it all,” or perhaps “do nothing” as it relates to civic engagement during and after college?
• What are the implications for designing programs that help students and alumni reach their potential as engaged and informed citizens?

Panelists:

Tania Mitchell, Assistant Professor, Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota

David Weerts, Associate Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development; Director, Jandris Center for Innovative Higher Education, University of Minnesota

Alberto Cabrera, Professor, Department of Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education, University of Maryland

Michael McPherson, President, Spencer Foundation

Karin Trail-Johnson, Associate Dean, Institute for  Global Citizenship; Director, Civic Engagement Center, Macalester College