Civics in Higher Education: A National Summit

A one-day convening on the state of civics in higher education at Tufts University.

In collaboration with the Alliance for Civics in the Academy (ACA) and GBH, Tisch College is proud to host a one-day national summit on the state of civics in higher education at Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville campus.

Convening practitioners, faculty, administrators, and students from across the United States, the summit will explore and compare models of civic practice in higher education.

Content & Themes

The summit will bring together three categories of university-based centers and programs—including diverse representatives from each—that are influential and widespread:

1. Colleges or programs of Civic Thought or Civic Studies. These entities offer civic education courses within a liberal arts curriculum. At least 13 are new initiatives at public universities. They may also produce research and public programs related to civic life.
2. Centers and initiatives that engaged higher education with communities in part to enhance their students’ civic skills and knowledge. These initiatives have roots in the Land Grant tradition (including the HBCU Land Grants) and the “Wisconsin Idea,” and many are ambitious and innovative today.
3. Democracy research centers and institutes based in universities that aim to improve democracy or civil society by generating research, tools, and events for the public.

Please check the summit site for the full agenda and list of speakers. This information will be updated as the summit develops.

Logistical Information

• Tickets to the summit are free, but you are responsible for your lodging and transportation.
• Hotel block information will be added in the coming days. However, if you wish to book your lodging now, 51 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA can be used as a point of reference when looking for lodging.
• Please note that parking at 51 Winthrop Street will not be possible for summit participants. Metered street parking is available along Boston Avenue, and paid parking is also available at the Dowling Hall Parking Garage, located at 419 Boston Avenue in Medford. It's an 8 minute walk from the Dowling Garage to 51 Winthrop. Information about visitor parking passes and daily rates for the Dowling Garage can be found on the Tufts Parking website.
• 51 Winthrop Street is a 10 minute walk from the the MBTA Green Line (subway system), Medford/Tufts Station.
• A light breakfast and full lunch will be provided for attendees.