What is Civic Engagement?

IUPUI is nationally and internationally recognized for its commitment to the civic engagement of students, faculty and staff.

As defined by the IUPUI Center for Service and Learning, civic engagement is defined as active collaboration that builds on the resources, skills, expertise, and knowledge of the campus and community to improve the quality of life in communities in a manner consistent with the campus mission.

Examples of civic engagement experiences can include:

• Volunteer at a non-profit agency
• Participation in a service learning course
• Contribution of voluntary work on a political campaign
• Advocacy on specific social issues
• Involvement with a faculty member on a community-based research project
• Political involvement, including voting, working on a campaign or public policy, communicating with elected officials
• Employment in a community work-study position

The Office of Student Involvement supports civic engagement at IUPUI through:

• Advising and supporting the Democracy Plaza student organization and the Democracy Plaza chalkboards
• Advising and supporting the Undergraduate Student Government
• Sponsoring speakers and workshops on civic leadership
• Coordinating Community Service projects, including traditions such as Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service and the IUPUI Day of Caring
• Presenting educational sessions on civic engagement to learning communities
• Sponsoring the Collegiate Newspaper Readership Program, including faculty support and student programming
• Sponsoring voter registration and education drives