Jun. 5-7, 2024
Detroit, MI
Conference

2024 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting 

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Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Meeting - June 5-7, 2024 - Detroit, MI

Ensure that graduates are prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens our communities and democracies need.  

Our 2024 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting (CLDE24) will facilitate exchanges of knowledge and develop a sense of community around our shared civic learning and democratic engagement work. As a community we have adopted the CLDE Theory of Change and strive to create effective strategies and models that strengthen civic learning and democratic engagement. 

Plenary panel at CLDE 2023.

Who should participate?

  • Faculty 
  • Students 
  • Senior campus leaders 
  • Student affairs administrators 
  • Community partners 

How will you benefit?

  • Learn strategies to integrate equity, justice, diversity, inclusion and accessibility  
  • Connect with colleagues sharing best practices to incorporate experiential learning opportunities and enact pedagogical and programmatic strategies 
  • Hear from speakers focused on balancing voter engagement with broader civic engagement  
  • Discover ways to implement and assess institution-wide civic learning objectives  
  • Strengthen community and campus integration of civic engagement 
  • Connect with a community of students, faculty and campus leaders focused on democracy, social justice, belonging and equity minded leadership
Program Highlights

This event convenes a diverse range of stakeholders on civic learning and democratic engagement.  

Participants will have opportunities to network and develop their civic-minded thinking and practices through plenary sessions, site visits, concurrent sessions, posters, receptions, pre-conference workshops, and working meetings. 

Highlights from the CLDE Meeting include the presentation of Civic Engagement Awards.

schedule at a glance
1–4 p.m.

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

The Power of Partnering with Election Officials

Working together with your local election officials is a great way to foster partnerships within civic learning and democratic engagement. This session will present a case study of the Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force where college students serve as liaisons between the Michigan Department of State and their campus populations to advise on department policies and their impact on student voters. Participants will receive strategies and resources to foster and/or strengthen relationships within their own municipalities and states.

  • Abdullah Aljanabi, Macomb Community College
  • Charles Black, Fair Elections Center
  • Landon Myers, Fair Elections Center
Civic Engagement for a New Generation

Most of the civic engagement practices being used today were developed by other generations with a completely different technological and cultural landscape: rallies and marches, phone banking and door knocking, working with institutions like faith organizations. How relevant are these approaches today? In this session, you’ll learn about new innovations in outreach, coalition-building, and engagement. From working with artists and influencers to developing events that bring new, diverse people into movements, this is civic engagement for a new generation.

  • Simon Tam, The Slants Foundation
The Role of Students’ Voices in Equity and Democracy in Higher Education

As institutions seek to become more student-centered, a critically important question is how do we incorporate the students’ voices and experiences in higher education. Institutional outcomes and students’ educational experiences can be improved when students’ voices are included throughout the student life cycle and in decision-making. Join us as we explore approaches to capturing and operationalizing students’ voices to strengthen equity and democracy at our institutions.

  • Jacquelyn Jones, AASCU
  • Lynn Brabender, AASCU
  • Randy Bumpers, AASCU
  • Melissa Rivas, AASCU
  • Nyala Watkins, AASCU
4:15–6 p.m. ADP Meeting

  • Cathy Copeland, AASCU
  • Ellen Knutson, AASCU
8:30-9:30 a.m. Building Community for Civic Engagement: Networking for CLDE

  • Varsha Ghosh, Harvard College (MA)
  • Jo Hoffman, Bridgewater State University (MA)
  • Charis Lawson, Towson University (MD)
  • Lance Lippert, Illinois State University
  • Tess McRae, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
10 a.m.–12 p.m.

SITE VISITS
(optional; additional $50 fee)

The Motown Experience

Learn about the birth of Motown by exploring the original Studio A of Hitsville U.S.A. On this tour, we’ll take a bus to the Motown Museum, located in midtown Detroit, and enjoy a guided tour through one of the epicenters of musical creativity in America in the 1960s. We’ll see instruments, costumes, memorabilia, photos, and gold records from the Supremes, the Temptations, and the Jackson 5, among other artists. Motown helped to usher in significant cultural and social change as a prominent African American-owned label that achieved crossover success thanks to the unique combination of a soul music style with a mainstream pop appeal.

Detroit’s Underground Railroad

While the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was enforced, formerly enslaved peoples could be captured in the northern United States. Finding a pathway to Canada was critical and Detroit’s strong system of Underground Railroad routes aided formerly enslaved peoples. We will take a bus tour, guided by Jamon Jordan of Black Scroll Network, and explore 10-12 meaningful sites of the secret network of financial, spiritual, and material aid provided to formerly enslaved peoples. Learn Detroit’s code name on the Underground Railroad and learn how over 50,000 people found freedom through their Underground Railroad.

1:30-3 p.m. Opening Plenary
Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court

  • Simon Tam, The Slants Foundation
  • Joe X. Jiang, The Slants
3:10-4 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Building Strategic Cross-System Partnerships for Maximum Impact: Public Civics Education for Everyone

  • Anna C. Gersh, Eastern Michigan University
Pedagogy for Thriving Democracy: ‘Stories are Everything’ and other Civic Maxims

  • David Hoffman, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Tess McRae, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Fostering Social Mobility through Civic Engagement: An Approach to Decolonizing Higher Education

  • Laura Rao, State University of New York, Buffalo State
Strengthening Democracy through Student-Community Partnerships

  • Otto Brown, Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Sarah Nash, Washington University in Saint Louis
Strengthening On-Campus Partnerships to Increase Civic Engagement Efforts

  • Kendra Lutes, Bowling Green State University (OH)
  • Adam Smith, Bowling Green State University (OH)
Red and Blue: Universities as Agents of Democracy in Polarized States

  • Elizabeth Bennion, Indiana University South Bend
  • Elizabeth Parmelee, Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
College of the Community: Delta Grows Deep Community Roots and National Recognition

  • Lisa Lawrason, Delta College (MI)
Using Deliberate Dialogue in the Classroom to Foster Social Change

  • Kara Dillard, James Madison University (VA)
  • Patty Robinson, College of the Canyons (CA)
4:10-5 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Missouri State University’s Voter Education Initiative Cultivates Informed Democratic Engagement

  • Emily Fessler, League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri
  • Ava Taylor, Missouri State University
  • Suzanne Walker-Pacheco, Missouri State University
  • Liz Wertz, Missouri Jobs with Justice
Creating Environments for Sustainable Civic Work via an Institutionalization Audit

  • Chapman Rackaway, Radford University (VA)
National Voter Education Week: Bringing Campuses, Communities Together to Educate New Voters

  • Zoë Williamson Cretini, The Students Learn Students Vote Coalition
  • Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge
  • Stephanie Rowden, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Hannah Smotrich, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Leading through Service: University-Community Partnerships in Urban Schools

  • Teranda Donatto, University of Houston
  • Stephanie Perez-Gill, University of Houston
Environmental Impact: A Strategic Guide for Campus & Community Partnerships

  • Sandy Pope, Salisbury University (MD)
  • Ryan Weaver, Salisbury University (MD)
Daring To Diversify: Rhetoric and Strategies in a Post-Affirmative Action World

  • Catherine Copeland, AASCU
  • Paul Cook, Indiana University Kokomo
  • Byron B. Craig, Illinois State University
  • Erin O’Hanlon, Stockton University (NJ)
Testifying for Civic Futures: We the People In and Beyond the Classroom

  • Ellen Zwarensteyn, Michigan Center for Civic Education
Empowering Students to Create and Lead Policy Issue Forums in the Classroom

  • Eric Gondella, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • Cheryl Z. Kerchis, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • David Kershaw, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • Grace Klutinoty, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • Sarah Luiken, Slippery Rock University (PA)
5-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
5:15-6:30 p.m.

POSTER SESSIONS

Dialogue ACTS

  • Lane McLelland, The University of Alabama
Engaging Student Organizations Through a Co-Curricular Experiential Learning Program

  • Allison Sweet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Angie Zill, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Combining Environmental Justice & Sustainability Themes with Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Skill Development

  • Laura Mulvey, Bridgewater State University (MA)
  • David O’Malley, Bridgewater State University (MA)
Involving Candidates in Campus Voter Guides, Town Halls, and Other Nonpartisan Efforts

  • Caroline Woodson, James Madison University (VA)
Know Our Ballot: MTSU Students Educate Fellow Students About Our Legislators

  • Dante Buttrey, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Hannah Ferreira, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Victoria Grigsby, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Nancy Prescott, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Marcus Rosario, Middle Tennessee State University
  • R.J. Ware, Middle Tennessee State University
A “Feet First” Approach to Political Talk: A Civic Skill

  • A. Jackson Harris, The University of Alabama
Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission Presents Captain Activate! And The Future Voters

  • Avery Xola, Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission
Student Created, Student Led: The Voter Advocacy Network at RIT

  • Grace Carlic, Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
Unmasking Deception in Voter Engagement– Informed Decision-Making with Nonpartisan Guides

  • Joe Wallace, guides.vote
Integrating GOTV Campaigns with the Curriculum

  • Justin Holmes, University of Northern Iowa
Expanding Democratic Participation with Educational Resources that Provide Relatable Civic Learning Experiences

  • Caroline Chance, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Big Ten Collaboration Virtual Policy Simulations: Experiential Civic Learning and Dialogue

  • Catherine Carver, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Briannon Cierpilowski, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Elisabeth Gerber, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Fiona Hayes, Viewpoint
  • Sophia Heller, University of Iowa
  • Hillary Poudeu Tchokothe, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
7:30-8:20 a.m. Breakfast
8:30-9:20 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Civics Literacy and the Purdue Model

  • Fred Duttlinger, Purdue University (IN)
Building a Campus Climate that Meets the Challenges Facing Higher Education

  • Leah Murray, Weber State University (UT)
  • Jessica Oyler, Weber State University (UT)
Centering Equity: Developing Pathways to Equitable Community Engagement in Higher Education

  • Sara B. Moore, Salem State University (MA)
  • Andrea Robles, AmeriCorps
  • Cindy S. Vincent, Salem State University (MA)
Incorporating AI into the Classroom to Boost Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

  • Steve Hunt, Illinois State University
  • Lance Lippert, Illinois State University
  • Joseph P. Zompetti, Illinois State University
State-Level Voting Laws: Current Policy Landscape and Advocacy Strategies

  • Diana Ali, NASPA
Follow the Students’ Lead: Stories from Campus Compact’s Student Design Fellows

  • Morgan Goodwin, Campus Compact
  • Markya D. Reed, Johns Hopkins University
  • Ru R, Campus Compact
Going Beyond the Walls: Building Sustainable Partnerships to Grow Civic Engagement

  • Katherine Nordyke, Missouri State University
  • Stacey Trewatha-Bach, Missouri State University
  • Mary Ann Wood, Missouri State University
9:30-10:20 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Gaining Academic Leadership Support For Assessing Civic Outcomes Across Degree Programs: Priorities, Programs & Partners

  • Jo Hoffman, Bridgewater State University (MA)
  • Laura Mulvey, Bridgewater State University (MA)
  • David O’Malley, Bridgewater State University (MA)
  • Maurice Williams Jr., Bridgewater State University (MA)
RU Running? Political Campaign Training for Undergraduates

  • Jessica Ronan-Frisch, Rutgers University New Brunswick (NJ)
Examining Institutional Responses to the California Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act

  • Alex Kappus, UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement
Integrating Community Engagement and Social Issues in a Preservice Teachers Mathematics Course

  • Jean Mistele, Radford University (VA)
Developing Civic Identities in Pre-Service Elementary Educators

  • Brigid Beaubien, Eastern Michigan University
  • Amanda Maher, Eastern Michigan University
Educating for the Public Good in California’s Community Colleges Through ‘Civic Dialogues’

  • Patty Robinson, College of the Canyons (CA)
Deliberative Dialogue: How Do We Grapple with Shifting, Outlawed, and Misunderstood Terminology

  • Catherine Copeland, AASCU
  • Steven Koether, Sam Houston State University (TX)
  • Kara Lindaman, Winona State University (MN)
AmeriCorps: A Pathway from Service to Success

  • Amy Albert, AmeriCorps
10:30-11:20 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Reacting to the Past: A Voice for Marginalized High School Students?

  • Mark F. Whitters, Eastern Michigan University
Starting Strategically: Assessing Student Civic Knowledge and Skill Incomes at Radford University

  • Chapman Rackaway, Radford University (VA)
Integrating Political Ideology Diagnostics in your Civic Engagement Work

  • Patrick Dolenc, Keene State College (NH)
  • Leah Murray, Weber State University (UT)
  • Kim Schmidl-Gagne, Keene State College (NH)
State College Civic Engagement: An Exclusive NSLVE Report of AASCU Campuses

  • Victoria Tse, Institute for Democracy & Higher Education
Be HIP: Turn Your Civic Engagement Program into a High-Impact Practice

  • Romy Hübler, Towson University (MD)
  • Charis Lawson, Towson University (MD)
  • Heather Polonsky, Towson University (MD)
Strengthening Civic Literacy: Academic Libraries as Catalysts for Voter Education and Engagement

  • Ellen Knutson, AASCU
  • Nancy Kranich, Rutgers University New Brunswick (NJ)
Consolidating Engagement: Discovering and Highlighting Commonalities Between Civic and Community Engagement

  • Beth Merenstein, Central Connecticut State University
  • Christian Reyes, Central Connecticut State University
Healthy Conversations: Navigating Conflict for Academic and Overall Wellness

  • Sherrin Frances, Saginaw Valley State University (MI)
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch Break
1-2:30 p.m. Plenary Session
Rethinking Democratic Responsibility through Equitable Access

  • Sarah Anthony, State Senator, Michigan
  • Brandy Johnson, Michigan Community College Association
  • Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Michigan College Access Network
  • Benjamin Frederick, Memorial Healthcare
  • Amelia Parnell, NASPA
  • Charles L. Welch, AASCU
3-3:50 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Supporting Students in Times of Upheaval and Conflict

  • Clairissa Breen, State University of New York, Buffalo State
IDEA for Change: Infusing Social Justice into Community/Civic Engagement and Service

  • Dana Pursley, Denison University (OH)
  • Emily Vermillion, Denison University (OH)
Institutionally Articulating the Higher Purpose: Framing Civic Learning and Community Engagement

  • Mary A. Evins, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Lesley Graybeal, University of Central Arkansas
  • David Hoffman, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Sandy Jacobs, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  • Willie Redmond, Southeast Missouri State University
Creative Collaboration: A Coalition Model for Student Voter Engagement

  • Jacqueline Beaudry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Catherine Carver, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Briannon Cierpilowski, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Stephanie Rowden, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Hannah Smotrich, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Hillary Poudeu Tchokothe, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Dave Waterhouse, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The Path to Finding and Developing your Civic Footprint

  • Tiffany Thornhill, Arizona State University
  • Anish Verma, Arizona State University
  • Avery Xola, Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission
Engaging History and Building Communities: Digitizing and Digitally Displaying WWII letters

  • Tammy Pike, University of South Carolina Upstate
Civic Empowerment: A Spectrum of Student Engagement and Learning

  • Brian Halderman, GivePulse, Inc.
  • David Kershaw, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • Kendra Lutes, Bowling Green State University (OH)
  • Jeffrey Rathlef, Slippery Rock University (PA)
  • Adam Smith, Bowling Green State University (OH)
At the Intersection of Sports and Civic Engagement

  • Lance Lippert, Illinois State University
  • Steve Hunt, Illinois State University
4-4:50 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Identifying the Academic Learning Outcomes Embedded in Voter Engagement Programming

  • Allison D. Rank, State University of New York at Oswego
Civic Learning as a General Education Outcome

  • Jennifer Pettit, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Amy Sayward, Middle Tennessee State University
  • Susan Myers-Shirk, Middle Tennessee State University
Campus Dialogue Programs With Real Impact: Exploring We Are Madison’s Legacy

  • Kara Dillard, James Madison University (VA)
  • Caroline Woodson, James Madison University (VA)
Revitalizing and Centering Indigenous Voices

  • Elizabeth Parmelee, Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
  • Deserea Richards, Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
Deconstructing Silos: State Coalitions Illuminating Civic Possibilities – A Study of MiCivics

  • Ellen Zwarensteyn, Michigan Center for Civic Education
  • Brigid Beaubien, Eastern Michigan University
Driving Student Engagement within The New York Times

  • Kandace Fitzwater, The New York Times
Measuring and Employing Student Success Data in Civic Engagement Programming

  • Shellby Branch, University of Georgia
  • Kassie Phebillo, Fair Elections Center
5:30-6:30 p.m. Invited Receptions
7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast
8-9 a.m. Plenary Session:
Countering Threats to Global Democracy

  • Mark Toner, U.S. Department of State
  • Timothy K. Eatman, Rutgers University Newark (NJ)
9:15-10:45 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Aggies Impact Policy: Strategically Developing a Policy Internship Program

  • James B. Palacios, Texas A&M University
Democratic and Election Engagement on Campus: The Presidents Panel

  • Dave Dulio, Oakland University (MI)
  • Ora H. Pescovitz, Oakland University (MI)
  • Josh Kraushaar, Journalist
  • Domenico Grasso, University of Michigan – Dearborn
  • Kevin Guskiewicz, Michigan State University
Infuse Connections through Challenging Conversations: Enhancing Engagement Using the Fuse Card Game

  • Michael Frizell, Missouri State University
  • Katherine Nordyke, Missouri State University
ZINES! A Fun & Far-Reaching Way to Promote Voter Education & Engagement on Campus

  • Adriana Paez, University of Missouri – Kansas City
Building a Movement for Global Civic Engagement through Sustainable Development Goals

  • Riva Brown, University of Central Arkansas
  • Lesley Graybeal, University of Central Arkansas
Voices Unbound: Negotiating Free Speech on College Campuses

  • Markya D. Reed, Johns Hopkins University
  • Sophia Baleeiro, Johns Hopkins University
  • Meghna Chandrasekaran, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Nia Hopkins, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Musa Jafri, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Jacquelyn P. Slade, Johns Hopkins University
Nourishing Democracy: Student-Run Food Pantries, Public Work, and Democratic Culture-Building

  • Craig Berger, Kent State University
  • Kalena Speicher, Kent State University
11 a.m-12 p.m. Closing Plenary
The Power of Partnerships: Working with State Officials to Increase Student Voter Engagement

  • Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State of Michigan
  • Ora H. Pescovitz, Oakland University (MI)
  • Abdullah Aljanabi, Macomb Community College (MI)
CLDE 2023 by the numbers

398

Number of attendees who  joined us for CLDE 2023. 

96%

Attendees who reported learning new information during the conference.

93%

Attendees who felt  the information presented during the conference would be immediately applicable to their campus and community work.    

Testimonial

“CLDE allows me to expand my imagination when it comes to what civic engagement and democracy can look like on a college campus. It has helped me see that students can also contribute their time, passion, and experiences to help build and strengthen our communities.”

Markya Reed

Graduate Student
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Registration Fees
ATTENDEE TYPE  EARLY BIRD RATE
(JAN. 8–MARCH 29) 
REGULAR RATE
(MARCH 30–MAY 27) 
LATE
(STARTS MAY 28) 
INDIVIDUALS  $550 $625 $695
STUDENTS*  $380 $380 $380
TEAMS**
FOUR OR MORE INDIVIDUALS FROM THE SAME INSTITUTION 
$500 per person $575 per person Not Available

Attendees gather in Boston at CLDE 2023.
Attendees gather in Boston at CLDE 2023.

Please note that pre-conference sessions and site visits are optional, each with an additional $50 fee.

Accommodations 

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance CenterDetroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
400 Renaissance Dr. W
Detroit, MI 48243
(313)568-8000

Room options are available until May 20 at the group rate of $239.00 for single and double occupancy.

 

 

AASCU is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all attendees at our gatherings. We follow all local rules and CDC guidance and closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Attendees at all AASCU events agree to adhere to the following health and safety protocols.

Before leaving home   

  • AASCU strongly encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated. The CDC Vaccines website provides definitions of “Fully Vaccinated” and “Up To Date”. 
  • Stay home if you feel unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.  We recommend attendees wear masks while traveling to and from the event and follow COVID-19 safety practices in the days leading up to the event. 
  • We strongly encourage attendees to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test before traveling and before arriving to AASCU convenings.

Onsite during the event  

  • Masks are recommended and will be available at the registration desk. 
  • If you are experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms please be respectful and wear a mask.  
  • Self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be available at the registration desk. We encourage participants test themselves upon arrival before joining the conference. 
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol  
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands  
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes. 
  • If you feel unwell, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the convening, seek medical care and do not attend the meals or gatherings.  
  • If you test positive during the conference, please notify AASCU staff by emailing meetings@aascu.org.  

AASCU reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of any current and ongoing public health emergencies. 

All meetings and conferences sponsored by AASCU are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. Please request accessibility services when you register and contact us if you need auxiliary aids or services.

By participating in an AASCU conference, you are automatically authorizing AASCU and its employees and its Communications department to use your name, photograph, voice, or another likeness for purposes related to the mission of AASCU, including but not limited to publicity, marketing, websites, social media vehicles, and any other AASCU-related electronic forms or media for the promotion of AASCU and its various programs.

Please complete the form at the bottom of this page to inquire about partnership opportunities for this event. Click here to see partners already committed to supporting this convening.

More information on engagement opportunities.

Co-producer

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