Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

About Us

Educating Students for Personal and Social Responsibility.

In 2007, Winthrop University was one of 18 schools awarded a grant from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to participate in a leadership project promoting the education of our students for personal and social responsibility.

Winthrop is a diverse university committed to the liberal arts traditions, to nationally accredited professional programs, and to developing leadership and civic responsibility. The university accomplishes these goals through a core curriculum (General Education Program), strong major programs in the liberal arts and professional areas, and effective linkages between and among programs/activities in academic affairs and student life.

The AAC&U grant was awarded through the John Templeton Foundation and enabled Winthrop to capitalize on current endeavors to integrate five dimensions of personal and social responsibility into core undergraduate programs.

In 2010, the five dimensions of the AAC&U Core Commitments were integrated into Winthrop University's University Level Competencies (ULCs).

In 2013, Winthrop University was named a NASPA Lead Institution in Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement. Using A Crucible Moment as a point of departure, a campus-wide committee, co-chaired by Vice President Frank Ardaiolo and Dean Karen Kedrowski, examined civic engagement efforts on campus and identified areas of improvement. The committee's report was presented to President Dan Mahony and Provost Debra Boyd on July 1, 2015.