Encouraging Democracy through Practical Education: Professors Involved in Neutral Student Political Participation
At Lincoln University of Missouri, a renowned institution participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, faculty members are stepping up to play a crucial role in civic engagement programming. As educators, they have a unique opportunity to teach about democracy and practice it alongside students.
Dr. Brian Norris, Associate Professor of Political Science, has been at the forefront of this initiative, comparing voting systems in the U.S. and Colombia to shed light on the importance of democratic participation. His insights were complemented by Dr. Amy Gossett, Professor of Political Science, who offered valuable insights on voter behavior and civic identity.
Moreover, Dr. Darius Watson, Assistant Provost for Academic Innovation, Outreach & Research at Lincoln University, spoke on the global implications of the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the 2024 Missouri Ballot initiatives. These discussions were nonpartisan, inclusive, and responsive to student concerns, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
Events this past academic year addressed issues such as voting access, local policy impacts, and representation. One of the most effective ways Lincoln University is fostering democratic renewal and inclusivity among students is through community service activities during orientation. The New Student Orientation features mandatory community service events like the "Clean-Up with Conduct," where students engage in campus cleanup while wearing university t-shirts, promoting collective responsibility and inclusivity from the start of their university experience.
Lincoln University students and community members also actively participate in philanthropic events like the Kwame Charitable Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament. This event brings together alumni, community leaders, and students to support charitable causes and encourages collaboration across diverse groups on and beyond campus.
These events demonstrate Lincoln University’s approach to fostering democratic values by encouraging active participation, social responsibility, and community collaboration among students. While the search results do not provide more specific programs explicitly labeled as "civic engagement" or "democratic renewal," the university's orientation service projects and participation in community philanthropy serve as clear examples of fostering these goals.
The American Political Science Association (APSA) offers a Civic Engagement Resource Collection to support classroom engagement, and Lincoln University is making strides in integrating civic learning into campus life. The goal is to expand these events to include professors from various disciplines in the future, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging approach to teaching democracy.
Faculty collaboration, student leadership, and campus organization partnerships are central to successful civic engagement programming at universities. By inviting colleagues to speak for campus programs or asking student groups about topics they would like to learn about, faculty members can make a difference in fostering democratic habits among students.
In conclusion, Lincoln University of Missouri is setting a strong example of how universities can foster democratic renewal and inclusivity among students. By integrating civic learning into campus life and encouraging active participation, social responsibility, and community collaboration, Lincoln University is demonstrating that democracy is not just an abstract concept, but a lived experience that begins on campus.
- Dr. Brian Norris and Dr. Amy Gossett, both faculty members at Lincoln University of Missouri, are employing their expertise in political science to engage students in discussions about democracy and voter behavior, fostering civic engagement and personal growth.
- In addition to academic discussions, Lincoln University is fostering democratic renewal and inclusivity among students through community service activities during orientation, like the "Clean-Up with Conduct," emphasizing education-and-self-development, learning, and social responsibility.
