Civic Engagement

Civic engagement in higher education is an umbrella term encompassing the goal of programs and student outcomes to advance the common good. A prevalent goal in higher education is to educate students to be civically engaged citizens and leaders. Definitions of civic engagement vary due to its connection to both individual and institutional aspects of higher education. Others find it challenging to define as it is often value-laden and politicized. Thomas Erlich’s definition of civic engagement is frequently used in the higher education literature and focuses on how students develop the skills, motivation, values, and knowledge to contribute to and make a difference in the community. The goal of civic engagement programs on campus is often 2-fold. [Page 243]The first is to become invested and ...