Civic Learning & Engagement
Civic engagement is about working to make a difference in the civic life of communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. Civic engagement is to promote the quality of life in any given community through both political and non-political processes (p. vi).
Civically responsible individuals recognize that as a member of a larger social fabric, societal problems or issues are everyone's responsibility to address. These individuals consider a variety of dimensions that are attached to each problem or issue and then make informed decisions about the actions they should take to try to resolve them.
Source: Ehrlich Civic Responsibility and Higher Education. Oryx Press.
Watch the Academic Update with FHSU's Provost, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, as she shares information about the university's commitment to community engaged work!
FHSU's Civic Investment Plan
"Fort Hays State University has built an impressive civic learning and engagement foundation" (CIP, 2014, p.1) Based on an internal audit, an assessment of activities, and an external review of literature and best practices, the university published its Civic Investment Plan (CIP) in 2014.
Read the Investment Plan and learn more about how FHSU is promoting:
- the development of the "engaged scholar";
- an academic focus for civic learning and engagement;
- institutional intentionality;
- a comprehensive and cohesive approach to civic learning and engagement;
- a reciprocal partnership with our various communities;
- a framework for civic learning and engagement that educates for full citizenship;
- a campus structure and culture that models civic learning and engagement;
- and, civic learning strategies that address FHSU's diverse student population.
Unlocking Untapped Potential: A Strategic Plan
A focus on civic learning and engagement is supported through the university's Strategic Plan. Specifically, Goal 5: Community and Global Engagement of the Strategic Plan aims to cultivate impactful partnerships, internally, locally, nationally, and globally.
Learn more about the goals, outcomes, and strategies associated with the Fort Hays State University Strategic Plan.
Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications
The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching sponsors Elective Classifications for those institutions that have made extraordinary commitments to their public purpose. The Elective Classifications are managed on behalf of the Carnegie Foundation by an Elective Classification Central Office at the American Council on Education (ACE).
A key component of the Strategic Plan is to pursue the following Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications:
- Leadership for Public Purpose is a way for Colleges and Universities in the US to gain recognition for institutionalizing the development of leadership abilities in all institutional stakeholders and the understanding of leadership as a public good (Application Cycle 2024).
- Community Engagement is a way for Colleges and Universities in the US to gain recognition for institutionalizing community engagement (Application Cycle 2026).
REPORT ACTIVITIES
Honoring Omer G. Voss
In addition to a scholarship fund, the Omer G. Voss Endowed Professorship in Leadership Fund was established to select and retain outstanding faculty in Leadership Programs. Civic learning and engagement initiatives are supported thanks to the generosity of the Voss family.
Meet the Voss Distinguished Professor
Dr. Donnette Noble
Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership
Director of Civic Learning and Engagement
Rarick Hall 119 B
(785) 628-4415
djnoble@fhsu.edu
News
- May 2024:
- FHSU junior Grace McCord named Newman Civic Fellow
- January 2024:
- Revamped Campus Community Collaborative involves FHSU and community partners
- April 2023:
- Ella Burrows Named Newman Civic Fellow
- May 2022:
- Cole Berry Named Newman Civic Fellow
- February 2022:
- Dr. Donnette Noble Receives Outstanding Service Award
- March 2021:
- Inaugural Advisory Board for Civic Learning and Engagement Announced