civics Archives — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

Did You Know? The Disappearance of Civic Education at Elite Colleges

Jul 18, 2019 · Thomas Connor · No Comments

Modern universities are ignoring their civic duty to teach their students how to become engaged citizens. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni released a report in 2018 that showed only 18 percent of universities required students to take a history course before graduation. This number is indicative of a growing historical ignorance among students. … Continue reading “Did You Know? The Disappearance of Civic Education at Elite Colleges”

Colleges Reject Duty to Teach Liberty’s Framework

Jul 4, 2018 · Anthony Hennen · No Comments

Though college leaders constantly remind the public about the value of a college degree, graduates sometimes leave without important knowledge. As Americans celebrate the 4th of July holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on just how little college students know about the Declaration of Independence and American history. The data are depressing. A 2016 … Continue reading “Colleges Reject Duty to Teach Liberty’s Framework”

Martin Center Summer Session

Jun 30, 2017 · Ashley Campbell · No Comments

Our annual summer luncheon will feature Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars, and will be held at the Dunhill Hotel in Charlotte, NC on Friday, June 30. Dr. Wood will discuss Making Citizens: How American Universities Teach Civics, a report published by the National Association of Scholars earlier this year. Making Citizens is a study … Continue reading “Martin Center Summer Session”

Making Legal Education Great Again

· Allen Mendenhall · 4 Comments

Legal education has become a surprisingly regular topic of news media for several years now. Most of this commentary has focused on enrollment and matriculation problems, bar passage rates, accreditation standards, student debt, and the job market for recent graduates. These are pressing issues that raise vexing questions for law school administrators, and they warrant … Continue reading “Making Legal Education Great Again”

Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process Mar 4, 2021
Some new faces might be on the UNC Board of Governors this year, as 12 members’ four-year terms are set to expire. The state’s Senate and House of Representatives will each be able to fill six open positions. They may choose to reappoint or replace current members. The nomination process in the Senate is currently … Continue reading “Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process”
This Case Gives the Supreme Court a Chance to Protect Campus Free Speech Mar 3, 2021
Over the last 30 years, federal courts have consistently ruled that restrictive speech codes and minuscule free speech zones on college campuses violate the First Amendment. So, why do college administrators continue to create and enforce such policies? The answer is that they face no penalty for doing so. A case that arose back in … Continue reading “This Case Gives the Supreme Court a Chance to Protect Campus Free Speech”
COVID-19 Campus Changes: Testing and Sequestering Students Mar 1, 2021
Colleges have been trying to stop COVID-19 from spreading on campus, and after a year of experimentation, failure, and success, officials may have found their way. Campuses are combining widespread testing, a reduction in social activities, limited in-person classes, and altered schedules to avoid shutting down campuses like many did last fall. Colleges do deserve … Continue reading “COVID-19 Campus Changes: Testing and Sequestering Students”

The Edifice Complex Is a Threat to University Budgets Mar 5, 2021
According to one recent estimate, American colleges in the last few years, in a period of extraordinary enrollment decline, have added 70 million square feet of new instruction and research facilities on their campuses. That is more space than in 10 Pentagons, the largest office facility in the U.S. Yet enrollments for fall 2020 had … Continue reading “The Edifice Complex Is a Threat to University Budgets”
Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process Mar 4, 2021
Some new faces might be on the UNC Board of Governors this year, as 12 members’ four-year terms are set to expire. The state’s Senate and House of Representatives will each be able to fill six open positions. They may choose to reappoint or replace current members. The nomination process in the Senate is currently … Continue reading “Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process”
Feminist College Funders and the Problem of Donor Intent Feb 26, 2021
Suppose you’re a donor interested in steering a college in a more sensible direction with your grants. Many questions will arise with the restrictions you put on your aid. Can you give money to a college and have any sort of say in what professors teach—or are you restricting academic freedom with your donations? Do … Continue reading “Feminist College Funders and the Problem of Donor Intent”

The Edifice Complex Is a Threat to University Budgets Mar 5, 2021
According to one recent estimate, American colleges in the last few years, in a period of extraordinary enrollment decline, have added 70 million square feet of new instruction and research facilities on their campuses. That is more space than in 10 Pentagons, the largest office facility in the U.S. Yet enrollments for fall 2020 had … Continue reading “The Edifice Complex Is a Threat to University Budgets”
Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process Mar 4, 2021
Some new faces might be on the UNC Board of Governors this year, as 12 members’ four-year terms are set to expire. The state’s Senate and House of Representatives will each be able to fill six open positions. They may choose to reappoint or replace current members. The nomination process in the Senate is currently … Continue reading “Did You Know? The UNC BOG Nominations Process”
This Case Gives the Supreme Court a Chance to Protect Campus Free Speech Mar 3, 2021
Over the last 30 years, federal courts have consistently ruled that restrictive speech codes and minuscule free speech zones on college campuses violate the First Amendment. So, why do college administrators continue to create and enforce such policies? The answer is that they face no penalty for doing so. A case that arose back in … Continue reading “This Case Gives the Supreme Court a Chance to Protect Campus Free Speech”