Civic Engagement Momentum Building at HLC Institutions  

Colleges and universities educate graduates who, through their civic engagement, will impact broader society in ways that are transformative, lasting and positive.  Over the last five years, HLC has sought to promote civic engagement activities at colleges and universities, most notably through the introduction of a related accreditation requirement in Criterion One, Core Component 1.C. Since the adoption of this requirement, HLC’s institutions have overwhelmingly demonstrated that they share a commitment to civic engagement and the value it holds for the success of their graduates. 

The Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition 

HLC, along with other accreditors across the United States, is collaborating with the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition (CLDE)—a group founded by higher education and policy organizations to advance and support the civic mission of all postsecondary institutions. CLDE’s work is premised on a recognition of higher education’s critical role in preparing students for meaningful and responsible citizenship, community engagement, and career preparation beyond graduation. This work aligns well with HLC’s mission to advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education. 

In 2024, CLDE published a Learning Framework designed to support ongoing work by institutions and to identify those that could be classified as “full participation institutions” (FPIs), based on the existence of institutional requirements for all students that might fall within one or more of the following categories: Democratic Knowledge and Levers for Change, Bridge-Building and Problem-Solving Skills, and Practical Experience and Projects. In collaboration with CLDE, HLC asked its member institutions to respond to a survey based on the Learning Framework not only to assist CLDE, but also to learn more about its institutions’ activities. Following the distribution of the survey, CLDE revised the framework to include a fourth category, namely, Career-Related Civic and Ethical Learning. 

The survey results highlighted the stellar work of our member institutions and demonstrated successful models of civic learning activities by a broad diversity of institutional missions. 

Aggregate Results of the May 2024 Civic Engagement Survey 

Of the 129 respondents, 37 institutions (or 28.7%) would be classified as FPIs within CLDE’s framework. Another 26 institutions (20.2%) were identified as outstanding exemplars based on their activities, even though they did not technically meet the FPI definition. Additionally, HLC identified another 46 institutions (35.7%) institutions that likely would qualify as FPIs, if additional information is supplied.  

All the responses reflected a single truth – HLC institutions are making significant efforts not just to meet the letter of Core Component 1.C, but to equip their students with the knowledge, skills, practical experiences and values that will position them to pursue successful careers while acting as responsible citizens capable of solving societal challenges.  

The latest addition to the framework, Career-Related Civic and Ethical Learning, represents a yet untapped source of data that remains to be explored within HLC’s membership. 

CLDE is a resource for member institutions and institutional collaborations. The Coalition intends to publish a list of outstanding institutional work in this area, including projects outside the narrower FPI definition, in an effort to build a community of practice around civic learning and to foster civic engagement in postsecondary education on a national level. Institutions are invited to email CLDE Senior Advisor and Government Professor Emeritus at Hamilton College, David Paris, to learn more.

Focused Group Outcomes 

Encouraged by the results of the survey, HLC invited a small group of respondents to participate in focus groups in November 2024. While the discussions were organized around the dimensions of CLDE’s framework, common themes surfaced, including: the centrality of civic engagement to institutional mission, its presence in general education requirements, challenges in implementing programs in rural locations and on non-residential campuses, issues navigating political climate, and student development. 

Several institutions remarked during the focus groups about the importance of civic learning to whole student development. As Gina Cinali, Associate Vice President of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at Paradise Valley Community College, observed:  

“Commitment to the community is not just in the name of our college. It is also about making sure that students understand that we do not just encourage a narrow focus on a specific issue or a specific course or major. The education they will get at our institution will prepare them not only for their first job or task, but also for their last, as we are committed to nurturing and creating this well-rounded person. The cura personalis ethos – the focus on the whole person - is very central to our mission.” (See also: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/employees/assessment-learning/civic-engagement) 

Participants also affirmed the relevance of civic engagement to overall success after graduation in a wide range of career paths. Susan Sanning, Associate Dean and Executive Director of Civic Learning and Innovation at Grinnell College, described the remarkable trajectories that opened to students through their civic learning activities:  

“At Grinnell College, we define post-graduate success as the meaningful integration of one’s personal, professional, and civic aspirations. While participation in civic activities is not mandatory, 83% of our students engage in such activities during their time at Grinnell. Furthermore, according to our institution’s ‘first destination’ survey, which boasts an 85% response rate, approximately 76% of our graduates report maintaining their civic engagement after graduation.” (See also: https://www.grinnell.edu/after-grinnell/graduate-outcomes and https://career.grinnell.edu/channels/draft-mission-vision-values/) 

The focus groups also highlighted opportunities for public institutions. CLDE is advancing the work of the Multi-State Collaborative for College Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement. (See: https://www.collegeciviclearning.org/about-the-msc) 

Upcoming Sessions at the Annual Conference 

In April, HLC will showcase ongoing work at the Annual Conference with three sessions dedicated to civic engagement.  

First, HLC and CLDE will co-present an anchor session entitled “Commitment to Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement.” There will also be two distinct panels, each featuring two institutions with diverse missions. The first panel is entitled: “Civic Learning: Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation.” The second panel is entitled “Integrating Civic Learning as a Core Feature in Academic Programs.” Each session has distinct content, so please plan to attend all three! Visit the Higher Learning 2025 conference program for more details. 

Questions?

Contact: [email protected].