Civic Engagement at UMM

What is civic engagement? Many use a definition developed right here at the University of Minnesota. It describes civic engagement as an institutional commitment to public purposes and responsibilities intended to strengthen a democratic way of life.

Here are some of the forms civic engagement takes at UMM.

Service Learning
An Academic Affairs and Student Affairs program located in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning. Web site.
Service Learning is a classroom experience that utilizes community service, community-based research, or other civic engagement activities along with regular reflection to meet course goals and community needs. Four initiatives offer multi-discipline, multi-class service learning experiences: Arts and Cultural Opportunities, Elder Partnerships, Youth Mentorships, and Regional, Sustainable Agriculture.

Community Service and Volunteerism
A program of the Office of Student Activities. Web site.
This program engages UMM students, staff, and faculty in positive community projects. This interaction fosters a better understanding between the school and town and improves student awareness of local issues and concerns. Programs include: Volunteer Fair, Trick-Or-Can Food Drive, Toys for Tots, Adopt-A-Family, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Ice Cream and Lollipops Children's Art Show.

Center for Small Towns
A program of the Office of Continuing Education and Regional Programs. Web site.
CST is a community outreach program serving as a point-of-entry to the resources of the University of Minnesota. CST focuses the University's attention and marshals its resources toward assisting Minnesota's small towns with locally identified issues by creating applied learning opportunities for faculty and students. CST partners with local units of government, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations, and other University units to address rural issues and support rural society.

Student Organizations
Web site.
Students create some of the most exciting aspects of UMM co-curricular life. Here are some student organizations that focus on community service and engagement:

Arbor Club

Big Friend Little Friend

Blood Drive Committee, UMM

Circle of Nations Indian Association (CNIA)

Education Minnesota Student Program

Habitat for Humanity, UMM

Peer Health Educators
Student DFL

Students Today Leaders Forever

West Central Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership
Web site
The WCRSDP serves west central Minnesota by promoting active citizenship; helping the west central region attain a sustainable future; and building strong partnerships with the University of Minnesota and region. The partnership is a group of diverse citizens and their University working together for viable, sustainable communities and enhanced quality of life.