Program or Research Initiative Grant:
"To extend our understanding of new and ongoing civic projects, and catalyze institutional change through a civically-focused program of liberal education that creates a culture of engaged scholarship across campus, promotes strong civic identities among students and faculty and contributes to student psychosocial well being. We are requesting funding to assist us with the delivery of the CSU, Chico Town Hall."
Demonstration Site: Forming Democratic Citizens for the 21st Century: An Integrated Civic Engagement Experience to Increase the Civic Participation and Well-being of First-year Students at California State University, Chico
Purpose: To create an integrated, innovative and pedagogically sound learning experience for all first-year students enrolled in the Introduction to University Life (UNIV 101) course at CSU, Chico, that engages student well-being (by decreasing student involvement in high-risk drinking behaviors), and deepens commitment to, and direct participation in, democratic processes.
How: 1) Implement the pilot Connections program, including service-learning projects and technologically-enhanced Town Hall meetings; 2) Assess all aspects of the pilot Connections program; 3) Develop two additional thematically-based integrated curricula for implementation in AY 08-09; 4) Refine assessment procedures for the integrated curriculum, including service-learning projects focused on enhanced civic engagement; 5) Expand Town Hall meetings to include all students enrolled in the integrated curriculum; 6) Assess all aspects of the activities supported by the BTtoP grant; 7) Disseminate results of this work in two to three appropriate conferences, as well as through publication.
AAC&U News Profiles CSU Chico's Town Hall Program
Video Clip: CSU-Chico Student Participants Featured on NBC News
California State University, Chico Website
