Civil discourse + critical thinking
The Civic Literacy Initiative seeks to foster a nonpartisan, civically engaged, and informed campus community. Through Student Affairs and Academic Affairs collaboration, we will help our students examine complex questions and learn to discuss them with confidence and respect for differences in thought, belief, opinion, and background. With a strong commitment to student success, freedom of expression, institutional neutrality, academic freedom, and nondiscrimination, we seek to support all students as they develop into leaders who can skillfully navigate complex conversations, increase democratic engagement, and build strong community ties through experiential learning. In doing so, we will foster a university community that is welcoming to all and an academic culture of collaboration and respect.
The Civic Literacy Initiative seeks to foster a nonpartisan, civically engaged, and informed campus community. Through Student Affairs and Academic Affairs collaboration, we will help our students examine complex questions and learn to discuss them with confidence and respect for differences in thought, belief, opinion, and background. With a strong commitment to student success, freedom of expression, institutional neutrality, academic freedom, and nondiscrimination, we seek to support all students as they develop into leaders who can skillfully navigate complex conversations, increase democratic engagement, and build strong community ties through experiential learning. In doing so, we will foster a university community that is welcoming to all and an academic culture of collaboration and respect.
Explore how protecting free speech fosters a dynamic learning environment where ideas thrive and opinions are valued. App State upholds free expression as essential to a robust academic environment because safeguarding free speech contributes to a thriving and dynamic educational landscape.
Discover how advocating for and exercising voting rights empowers communities and fortifies our democratic society. App State understands the critical role that voting plays in civic engagement in shaping leadership and policy.
Delve into the tactics for navigating complex conversations. Explore how embracing differing perspectives strengthens our academic community. Learn to foster a richer, more inclusive learning environment through productive dialogue.
Dialogue Programs
At Appalachian State University, dialogue across differences is a core value. To support this, we've partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to equip Mountaineers with skills for constructive dialogue—a form of conversation where people with different perspectives strive to understand each other without sacrificing their own beliefs. CDI’s online program, Perspectives, integrates psychological concepts with interactive scenarios to teach healthy conflict resolution. The program includes six 30-minute online modules, completed asynchronously, with an optional three peer-to-peer conversation activities for skill practice. Benefits of the program include improved handling of roommate disagreements, classroom debates, project collaborations, and maintaining diverse friendships. Research shows that over 80% of students feel more confident navigating difficult conversations and 84% gain valuable professional and life skills. To implement Perspectives for your group, contact Summer Wisdom, Associate Director in the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, at wisdomss@appstate.edu.
Voting Information
Voting process and important dates
Civic Literacy Presentations
Peer leaders trained in nonpartisan voting education are available to provide interactive civic literacy presentations about voting logistics. Presentation length can be adapted to fit the needs of your class or meeting.
Location: We visit your location
Contact
Ashley Vinson
vinsonab@appstate.edu
828-262-2545
Upcoming Events
Opportunities for You and Your Students to Engage
- Feb. 6, 2025 / 5 p.m.PSU Room 119 (Crossroads Coffee Shop)
- Taste of Dialogue – Accessibility at AppStateFeb. 12, 2025 / 5:30 p.m.PSU Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom)
- Feb. 20, 2025 / 5 p.m.PSU Room 119 (Crossroads Coffee Shop)
- Feb. 26, 2025 / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.PSU Room 138 (Community-Engaged Leadership)
- March 6, 2025 / 5 p.m.PSU Room 119 (Crossroads Coffee Shop)
- Taste of Dialogue – AI in the ClassroomMarch 19, 2025 / 5:30 p.m.PSU Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom)
- March 27, 2025 / 5 p.m.PSU Room 119 (Crossroads Coffee Shop)
- April 10, 2025 / 5 p.m.PSU Room 119 (Crossroads Coffee Shop)
- Taste of Dialogue – Institutional NeutralityApril 21, 2025 / 5:30 p.m.PSU Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom)
Important Dates
- Sept. 16National Voter Registration Day
- Sept. 17Constitution Day
- Oct. 6-10National Voter Education Week
- Oct. 10Voter Registration Deadline
- Oct. 16Early Voting Begins
- Oct. 21Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot
- Oct. 28Vote Early Day
- Nov. 1Early Voting Ends
- Nov. 4Election Day