Student Resources and Opportunities
The Civic Learning Network strives to support the preparation of GVSU students as agents for responsibility and change in a democratic society.
Civic Engagement at GVSU
Civic Change Agent undergraduate badge
The Civic Change Agent Undergraduate Badge aims to inspire students to align democratic ideals and civic commitment with deep knowledge of context, history, and policy. It teaches students the values and practices required to sustain democracy through formal curricula, project learning, and co-curricular activities. A badge is a digital record of achievement that recognizes completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. You can link your digital badges to online résumés and portfolios, career websites, or social media. This gives you a way to share experiences, competencies, or knowledge with current and future employers, professional and community organizations, recruiters, and graduate programs.
Co-Curricular INT 100/201
Co-Curricular INT 100/201
The Co-Curricular program is an integral part of the INT 100 (Reflect, Connect, Engage) and INT 201 (Diversity in the U.S.) course curriculum. Both classes serve Grand Valley's General Education Program and are core components of the Integrative Studies major.INT 100/201 designation enhances student growth and support connections between classroom-based learning outcomes and real-life opportunities.
INT 100: INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
INT 100 co-curricular assignments correspond to the Essential Learning Outcomes framework defining the knowledge and skills gained from a liberal education, as established by the AAC&U.
A – Knowledge of Human Cultures & the Physical & Natural World
B – Social Justice & Human Rights
C – Philosophy & Literature
D – Community Engagement/Service Learning
INT 201: INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
INT 201 co-curricular assignments follow an identify development sequence, drawing upon the AAC&U's Intercultural Knowledge and Competence Rubric.
- Location of Self
- Awareness and Knowledge of Communities and Identities Different from One's Own
- Knowledge and Examination of Structures and Systems that Impact Diverse Populations
- Application and Integration of New Knowledge
Office of Student Life-Civic Engagement
- Become involved with the GVSU Campus Democratic Engagement Coalition, a nonpartisan group of campus and community stakeholders who work collaboratively to elevate student voices through increasing student democratic engagement at GVSU.
- Find out more information on registering to vote, how to vote, and where to vote on GVSU's campus.
- Learn about many of the different opportunities to participate in Civic Engagement at GVSU.
Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Program
- GVSU’s Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Program will prepare students to be agents of social change who practice and model civil discourse. Learn more today!
Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
- The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies strives to prepare a new generation of leaders to deal effectively with diverse ideas and cultures through it’s Common Ground Initiative, a program unique in higher education. All conferences and events are free and open to the public. Find out more by visiting their site.
The Office of Civic Learning and Community Engagement
- GVSU's Office of Civic Learning and Community Engagement provides valuable resources to students, faculty/staff, and community members in the areas of civic learning and community engagement. Check out the site for more information.
Get Involved
Activate Modules
Activate online modules are available on Blackboard to help prepare students for civic engagement and understand the difference between volunteerism and engaging in meaningful, service-oriented, community-facing work.
CBL Courses
Community Based Learning (CBL) is a pedagogical strategy used in coursework that requires students to engage with community partners as part of their required academic work in a specific course section. GVSU offers a variety of CBL courses each semester. Learn more by visiting the Community Engagement Site.
Civic Engagement After Graduation
Interested in volunteer service for one or more years as an alternative to entering the workforce or graduate school? Check out the opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad through the Community Service Learning Center website.
Civic Learning Network Summer Conference
We are exploring the idea of developing a summer conference in partnership with K-12 educators and statewide organizers to enhance both resources and networking opportunities for civic education in Michigan. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in the development of the conference, if interested please complete this brief form to provide your contact information.
Student Resources
Civic Education Resources
- To learn more about programs in Michigan for teachers, students and members of the community that reflect best practices in civic and law-related education and provide experiences that are relevant, rigorous, and connected to real life experiences check out the Michigan Center for Civic Education.
- Check out the Center for Civic Education to increase your understanding of the principles, values, institutions, and history of constitutional democracy and to become a more enlightened citizen.
- Learn more about the national call to action designed to make civic and democratic learning an expected outcome for every college student, and an integrated part of education from pre-school to professional schools by visiting the Association of American Colleges & Universities site.
Looking for more resources? Check out our General Resources webpage for even more good stuff!