|
 Message
from the President about Boise State’s commitment to Civic
Engagement
You have heard me speak of my vision for Boise State
University as a metropolitan research university of
distinction. A
Metropolitan university is one that contributes to the
life of the community in which it is embedded. A
Metropolitan University also has a responsibility to foster
a sense of citizenship and community both on and off campus.
Boise State already has a rich heritage of participation in
the life of the Treasure Valley through the fruits of our
research and service that are so vital to local government
and industry. Our relationship to the community,
however, extends far beyond the products of our research.
Boise State has
been, and must continue to be, a university engaged with its
community. We must continue to embrace the role that
universities play in teaching and practicing civic
engagement, that is, engagement in our community,
in all areas of our campus life. That is why Boise
State, along with hundreds of other public colleges and
universities across the country, has joined the American
Democracy Project. This three-year program
co-sponsored by the New York Times and the American
Association of State Colleges and Universities is intended
to increase the focus on civic engagement on campuses.
Civic Engagement fits with the values and goals in our
strategic plan that state that “all should be prepared to
assume responsibility for participation in civic, social and
environmental awareness activities of the communities in
which they work and live.” Civic Engagement is
also tied to our philosophy of our University core
curriculum, which notes that the skills learned in the core
“enable students to become educated citizens who will
actively contribute to and participate in society.”
 The
American Democracy Project is an excellent way for Boise
State to highlight the many already existing programs and
efforts that tie this University to the community.
Those programs include our Internship programs and the
Service Learning Program. Last year, over 1,000
students completed internships for academic credit, and
nearly 700 education and nursing students completed
practicum, community projects or clinical placements in
their fields. Nearly 80 different faculty have offered
a Service Learning class at this institution, and each year,
over 1000 students contribute 23,000 hours in service to our
community while applying that service to their academic
coursework.
I believe,
however, that Boise State can do even more to increase our
commitment to civic engagement. Toward that end I have
asked Stephanie Witt, Associate Vice President for Academic
Affairs, to convene a steering committee of faculty,
students and staff to discuss how Boise State will meet the
challenge, including developing ideas, programs and events
that will contribute to civic engagement.
 I
look forward to the ideas and programs that will be
forthcoming from the Civic Engagement steering committee,
and encourage each of you to consider what your department
or college could do to make the importance of civic
engagement more clear to the students in your discipline.
I believe we can create a culture of engagement at Boise
State University and foster an organizational commitment
that will last long after the three years of the American
Democracy Project are over. Please join me in this
critical effort.
 American
Democracy Project
powerpoint
presentation Civic
Engagement at Boise State University
powerpoint
presentation |
“Civic
Engagement means working to make a difference in the civic
life of our communities and developing the combination of
knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that
difference. It means promoting the quality of life in
a community, through both political and non-political
processes.” - From Civic Responsibility
and Higher Education, Edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by
Oryx Press, 2000, p. vi.
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Civic
Engagement and Curriculum |
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Boise State’s Strategic Plan emphasizes the
importance of citizenship and the use of active
learning techniques. In its list of “core
values and beliefs” it says, “That all should be
prepared to assume responsibility for personal
wellness and for participation in civic, social, and
environmental awareness activities of the
communities in which they work and live” (p. 8).
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Civic Engagement &
Scholarship, University-Community Partnerships
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Civic
Engagement Events On Campus
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AUGUST |
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18 |
Service-Learning New Agency
Orientation
11:00am-12:00pm, Alexander room, SUB |
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SEPTEMBER |
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7 |
Volunteer Expo!
(Volunteer Fair/Community Service
Seminars)
10:00am -3:00pm,
Jordan Ballroom, SUB |
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10 |
Service Saturday, 8:30am-1:00pm
Meet at the SUB, carpool to service
site |
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15 |
Hispanic Profile
4:00-6:00pm, Boise
State Cultural Center, SUB |
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15 |
Presentation/Discussion: "The
Constitution today, yesterday, and
tomorrow", 3:00pm, Barnwell, SUB |
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20 |
Diverse Perspectives Film Series
5:30-7:30pm Bishop Barnwell room, SUB |
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21 |
Hurricane Relief Fundraiser during
Boise State Football game |
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21 |
Service-Learning Faculty Roundtable:
"Recognition and Portfolio
Development " 3:30-5:00, Cataldo rm |
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23 |
Latinos in the Media
4:00-6:00pm, the Forum, SUB |
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26 |
Speaker: Former U. S. Ambassador to
the Soviet Union, Jack F. Matlock:
“Russia's Future: Democratic or
Authoritarian?" 7:00pm, Jordan
Ballroom, SUB |
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27 |
Speaker: Nicholas P. Lovrich,
“Sustaining public safety and a high
quality of life in American cities”.
12:30pm-1:30pm. Hatch A/B, SUB. |
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OCTOBER |
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1 |
"Into the Streets" 8:30am-1:00pm
Meet at the SUB, carpool to service
sites |
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1 |
Global Expressions-Los Cenzonties
Special Events Center, SUB |
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4 |
Distinguished Lecture Series:
Karen Armstrong
"The
Battle
For God" |
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4-5 |
The Clothesline Project: Voices of
Domestic Violence. 9:00am-3:00pm
Memorial Plaza,
Boise State campus |
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6 |
"Property
Tax Summit", sponsored by the
Public Policy Center.
Details TBA. |
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10 |
March to the Capitol with the Inter
tribal Native Council: Columbus Day
Education
4:00pm-6:00pm |
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19 |
Service-Learning Roundtable:
"Integrating service, maintaining
academic rigor" 3:30-5:00, Cataldo
rm. |
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22 |
"Make a Difference Day"
Canyon County
Service Saturday |
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24-28 |
HealthCare Awareness Week |
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29-30 |
Tunnel of Oppression, SUB |
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NOVEMBER
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4 |
Frank Church Conference
"Global Flash Points: Clash of
Cultures" More details
TBA. |
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12 |
Service Saturday,
8:30am-1:00pm
Meet at the SUB, carpool to
service site |
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14-18 |
Hunger and Homeless Awareness
Week |
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16 |
Service-Learning Roundtable:
"Integrating service,
maintaining academic rigor"
3:30-5:00, Cataldo rm |
MORE COMING... |
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Civic
Engagement Steering Committee
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