ABSTRACT
Many colleges and universities have embedded civic learning in academic courses and cocurricular programs. However, faculty and student affairs educators must encourage students to see themselves as civic leaders. Misinformation and intentional disinformation have seemingly increased in recent years, contributing to historic partisan polarization. College administrators can work with students to monitor changes to state laws related to voting and seek legal assistance when needed to protect students’ ballot access. Institutions of higher education have an opportunity to advance democratic values, such as equity, inclusion, integrity, empathy, openness, and deliberation. As an institutional priority, civic learning and democratic engagement requires collaborative leadership from diverse stakeholders. Faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community members must come together to form teams that represent the entire institution. Universities might partner with community-based organizations to conduct voter registration drives in local neighborhoods. College students should disseminate voting guides and registration information in civic deserts, as well.
