The upcoming professional development conference hosted by Cyclone Civics at Memorial Union on Sept. 18, 2024, aims to address the pressing issue of civic literacy and skills in America. President Wendy Wintersteen initiated the program in response to the noticeable gaps in civic education and free speech knowledge. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, under the leadership of then-senior vice president and provost Benjamin Withers, took on the responsibility of leading Cyclone Civics, utilizing its wide array of academic majors, interdisciplinary programs, and innovative centers to equip faculty, students, and staff with essential civic education and leadership skills.
A Collaborative Approach to Civic Education
Cyclone Civics collaborates with both on and off-campus partners to promote nonpartisan civic education and free expression. The program is designed to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices among Iowa State faculty, administrators, and staff. Participants will engage in discussions on how civic learning can be integrated into various aspects of academic and extracurricular life, including classroom teaching, student-led organizations, and learning initiatives. Karen Kedrowski, director of the Carrie Chapman Center for Women and Politics and head of Cyclone Civics, emphasized the importance of incorporating civics into all aspects of education, both inside and outside the classroom. As she stated in a press release, the primary goal of Cyclone Civics is to empower faculty and staff from diverse disciplines to think creatively about integrating civic education into their teaching methods.
Addressing Board of Regents Directive 9
One of the key objectives of Cyclone Civics is to fulfill Directive 9 from the Board of Regents, which mandates that universities establish comprehensive initiatives to promote free speech and civic education. By addressing this directive, Iowa State University aims to provide widespread opportunities for education and research on these crucial topics. The conference, scheduled from noon to 4:30 p.m., offers a platform for faculty and staff across disciplines to engage in meaningful discussions and learning experiences. Political science professor Kelly Shaw serves as the associate director of Cyclone Civics, supporting Kedrowski in executing the program’s objectives.
In conclusion, the Cyclone Civics professional development conference presents a unique opportunity for Iowa State University faculty, administrators, and staff to enhance their civic literacy and engagement skills. By fostering collaboration, dialogue, and innovation, the program aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to promote civic education and free expression on campus and beyond. To learn more about this event and to register, visit the official Cyclone Civics website. Your support will enable the Iowa State Daily’s student journalists to continue delivering top-notch reporting and coverage of campus events.
