Democracy in Higher Education

This volume explores how colleges and universities can respond to divisive political environments by carefully and intentionally cultivating students’ civic learning and democratic flourishing.

Structured in five cohesive sections, each chapter offers adaptable frameworks, promising practices, and tangible strategies for building positive momentum toward civic-minded student learning in higher education. Chapters explore how dialogue inside and outside the classroom, community involvement, and student agency can shape inclusive, engaged campus environments that directly support students’ civic learning and development. Together, the text presents a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the interconnected challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff and demonstrates how higher education institutions can foster environments that not only educate but also renew their promise to cultivate democratically informed and socially responsible citizens.

Maximilian T. Schuster is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Associate Chair of the Department of Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, USA.