Civic Engagement at UW-L

“Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” - Tom Ehrlich

The UW System mission and UW-L select mission reflect civic engagement goals.

  • UW SYSTEM MISSION: The mission of the University of Wisconsin System is to develop human resources, to discover and disseminate knowledge, to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses, and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and humane sensitivities, scientific, professional and technological expertise, and a sense of purpose. Inherent in this broad mission are methods of instruction, research, extended training, and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the UW System is the search for truth. (Emphases added.)
  • UW-LA CROSSE SELECT MISSION: The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-L fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-L is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community. (Emphases added.)

UW-L participates in the American Democracy Project a multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement in the United States in the 21st century. The project targets undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The project grows out of a concern about decreasing rates of participation in the civic life of America in voting, in advocacy, in local grassroots associations, and in other forms of civic engagement that are necessary for the vitality of our democracy.

UW-L’s has three primary activities associated with civic engagement.

  • E-citizenship - an examination of how the role of citizens is shaped by the new technology environment: http://www.uwlax.edu/ecitizenship/index.htm
  • Service Learning – provides the opportunity to engage in scholarly and intentional service in which students address community needs from the application of academic skills and knowledge.  Service-learning focuses on partnerships between students, faculty and community agencies in the La Crosse Area and Greater Mississippi Valley Region.  In addition, academic coursework includes structured time for students to critically reflect on their service experience, and the relation to academic course objectives.
  • Constitution Day –Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution: http://www.uwlax.edu/Provost/pvchome/constitution_day.htm