University investing in civic reflection for students

We have learned that Salisbury University will become the first higher learning institution in the U.S. to use civic reflection on a large scale to help students transition to college life.

An award of $70,000 was given to two professors through the Wilson Elkins Professorship for faculty training in implementing civic engagement in their course curriculum.

SU officials hope to teach incoming students how to talk across their differences using civic dialogue.

“We aren’t doing a great job of having difficult conversations with one another,” said Dr. Alexander Pope, an assistant professor for history.  “So having respectful meaningful impactful conversations about really important topics is something that we need to do a better job of.”

“We’ve been supporting faculty to work with our community to engage our community organizations and our government institutions and we hope to further develop those networks that have today,” said Dr. Sarah Surak, an associate professor for political science.

In preparation for the launch of the Civic Reflection Initiative this fall, Pope and Surak have trained about 150 faculty, staff and students, who will act as facilitators.

We’re told Dr. Elizabeth Lynn from Valparaiso University was a big help to the professors at Salisbury University.