September

Diving into democracy

Two upcoming events encourage civic engagement, thoughtful dialogue and innovative pedagogy.

By Lindsey Coulter

September 12, 2018

Metropolitan State University of Denver plays host to numerous important conversations every semester. If you enjoy talking politics or pondering progressive pedagogy, mark your calendars for two events that take very different — but equally impactful — approaches to promoting civic engagement and democratic dialogue.

Constitution Day 2018

Sept. 17 isn’t just a Monday; it’s also Constitution Day. In honor of our country’s foundational document, numerous departments across the Auraria Higher Education Campus are sponsoring an event that asks a big question: Who owns the First Amendment?

Attendees will hear compelling perspectives on buying and selling news in the digital age from panelists Tina Griego of the Colorado Independent, Larry Ryckman of the Colorado Sun and Victor Pickard of the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School of Communication. The event will include a question-and-answer session and small group discussions as well as light refreshments.

Faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend. Contact Shelby Balick for more details.

Sept. 17

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Baerresen Ballroom, Tivoli Union Room 320

American Democracy Project Regional Institute

The upcoming American Democracy Project Regional Institute, sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, is all about preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens. This year’s theme, “Innovative Civic Engagement Pedagogy,” covers service-learning courses, community-based research, internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Discussions will also focus on how civic engagement is being fostered on a variety of campuses, and faculty and staff are encouraged to submit proposals.

Keynote speakers for the event are George Mehaffy, Ph.D., AASCU’s vice president for academic leadership and change, and Anne DePrince, Ph.D., professor and chair of psychology as well as director of the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning at the University of Denver.

During the event, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Vicki Golich, Ph.D., will also formally accept the William M. Plater Award for Leadership in Civic Engagement for her commitment to engaging undergraduate students in the democratic process.

Faculty, staff and administrators are welcome. Students are also welcome with a faculty or staff advisor. Contact Bethany Fleck for more details.

Nov. 2

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tivoli Union 440/540, Adirondacks

Register now to attend.

The ADP conference is running in conjunction with the 2018 Summit on the State of Engagement in Higher Education at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. This event is co-hosted by the Colorado Leadership Alliance and Campus Compact of the Mountain West on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Consider attending both. Additional details will be updated on the Colorado Compact webpage.