SACSCOC—a CLDE Partner—Declares Civic Literacy and Engagement Essential

All seven historically regional institutional accreditors are active partners with the CLDE Coalition in the Coalition’s on-going efforts to make college civic learning expected, inclusive, and high value—both to democracy and to students.  Each is exploring ways that civic learning and engagement can become part of institutions’ self-studies and planning in the accreditation process.  

In June, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) issued a statement to its members titled “Committing to the Common Good:  Connecting College Learning and Civic Vitality.”  The statement names civic literacy and engagement as an “essential outcome for every graduate.”  

The statement points to research evidence that students who participate in civic learning opportunities “are more likely to persist in college and complete their degrees; obtain skills valued by employers; develop positive habits of social responsibility, civic participation, and efficacy; and possess a sense of social responsibility.”  

Read the full statement here: Committing to the Common Good: Connecting College Learning and Civic Vitality (pdf)

Research evidence on the benefits of college civic learning was compiled by CLDE Coalition lead partner, AAC&U.  Both the full report and a summary are available online:

AAC&U Report: The Effects of Community-Based and Civic Engagement in Higher Education: What We Know and Questions that Remain

Report Summary: The Completion and Learning Benefits of Civic Learning in College