A more perfect union. Sometimes it seems within reach. Other times, it feels like it’s impossible.
At Colorado State University, faculty, students and staff are working together to strengthen our democracy. As President Amy Parsons noted in her inaugural Fall Address, CSU is uniquely positioned to be a leader at this unique moment in readying citizens to participate in all facets of civil society.
This special report from SOURCE explores the work happening at CSU and answers those tough questions in order to blaze a path toward a healthy democracy.
2023-24 is the Year of Democracy and Civic Engagement at CSU
The Thematic Year is a central university initiative that serves to highlight the incredible research, programs, academic initiatives, students, faculty and staff who are accomplishing extraordinary things at CSU. Having a rotating annual theme provides the opportunity for the university to focus on major world initiatives that cross through and between all departments and colleges which, in turn, assists in stimulating additional multidisciplinary work at CSU. learn more
We need to talk | What is democracy? | Is democracy in danger? | Science for all | Civic engagement | Art in democracy
CSU experts available to discuss constellation of topics related to democracy
In addition to being the focus of Colorado State University’s thematic year, democracy is a key component of the work that happens across all facets of the institution. From political science to natural resources to engineering, the understanding and furthering of democratic principles is a key part of CSU’s research. read more
The Center for Public Deliberation is a key asset at Colorado State University in supporting local democracy and teaching students about democratic principles. read more
Sure, a political science 101 textbook might offer one definition, but students in a special Colorado State University class have been given a space to create their own, culminating in a Constitutional Convention at the end of the semester. read more
Dominik Stecula is an assistant professor of political science at Colorado State University. His research focuses on the intersection of political communication, political behavior and science communication in the American media. Stecula recently spoke on CSU’s The Audit podcast about the changing way people look at the media and democracy. read more
CSU has established a reputation for participatory science – sometimes called public or citizen science. In a peer-reviewed study of global scientific output, CSU ranked fourth among significant institutions contributing to citizen science research, based on totals of published studies. read more
Research has found that communities with a strong civic capacity had lower COVID-19 infection and death rates. In other words, communities that were better at working together were more resilient. read more
What is the role of art in democracy? As part of Colorado State University’s Thematic Year of Democracy, the exhibition “Demonstrating Democracy” draws from the Gregory Allicar Museum’s permanent collection and helps people visually answer this question. read more
More democracy content
In addition to this special report, CSU has produced a variety of pieces on democracy over the years, and there are many events and programs associated with the thematic year.