Appalachian State University has launched a Civic Literacy Initiative designed to foster civic engagement and informed participation among its student body. The program, which began in fall 2024 and is managed by App State Student Affairs, centers on three main aspects: dialogue across differences, voter participation, and free speech.
“We recognize that effective leadership in today’s world requires the ability to understand and work with different perspectives,” said Jeff Cathey, Interim Vice Provost of Student Affairs at Appalachian State. “Our approach combines classroom learning with practical experience to create intentional opportunities for students to engage with different perspectives, understand civic processes and develop the essential skills needed to be effective as leaders in their communities.”
The initiative aims to prepare students for thoughtful engagement as participants who can collaborate across differences and become civic leaders through respectful dialogue. Dr. Heather Jo Mashburn, director of community-engaged leadership at App State, noted that the Civic Literacy Initiative is woven into existing student success programs at the university.
“This comprehensive approach helps ensure that civic literacy becomes an integral part of the student experience, rather than an isolated program,” said Mashburn. She highlighted research indicating that environments valuing diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving outcomes.
A key component of the initiative is developing skills for constructive dialogue on challenging topics. To support this goal, App State’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to offer its Perspectives program. This online program uses psychological concepts and interactive scenarios to help students, faculty, and staff understand differing viewpoints and resolve conflicts effectively. Participants can also join peer-to-peer conversation activities.
During the 2024–25 academic year, 520 members of the university community participated in CDI’s Perspectives modules. Of those who engaged with Perspectives in fall 2025, more than 77% reported increased confidence navigating difficult conversations while 78% said they gained valuable professional and life skills.
Free speech remains central to App State’s Civic Literacy Initiative. “Your voice matters” serves as a guiding principle for discussions about free expression on campus. Jamie Parson, senior vice provost and one of two designated free speech officers at App State alongside Cathey, stated: “The guarantees of the First Amendment are more than a passive right we casually enjoy — they are the engine of civic literacy.” Parson added that open discussion strengthens critical thinking skills necessary for an informed society.
University departments regularly hold events such as Constitution Day where First Amendment issues are discussed or debated by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Cathey and Parson act as liaisons for compliance with federal law regarding free speech within both state regulations and University of North Carolina System policy. They address questions from anyone within or connected to campus regarding freedom of expression.
Increasing voter education is another priority area for App State’s Civic Literacy Initiative. Supported by its Voter Coalition and Civic Literacy Student Fellows program—now including 14 fellows—the university organizes nonpartisan educational presentations and voter registration efforts leading up to elections.
“With primaries and midterms quickly approaching, we are working diligently to plan engaging and educational programs for campus,” said Ashley Vinson, associate director of community-engaged leadership at App State.
Last summer saw new support through an Ask Every Student grant from Students Learn Students Vote Coalition—a national group focused on increasing college student voting rates—which enabled development of a Faculty Civic Champion Program at Appalachian State University.
Fellows recently attended November’s National Student Vote Summit at University of Maryland College Park where they shared strategies around nonpartisan campus engagement nationwide. Plans include establishing spaces where students can contact legislators directly or learn about current legislation via weekly updates; there will also be a podcast featuring local government officials.
In recognition of these efforts toward democratic engagement among college students—including promoting political participation—Appalachian State earned a Highly Established Action Plan Seal from ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2024 as well as being named a Voter Friendly Campus among just 14 institutions statewide that year.
The university will continue measuring impact using various metrics moving forward as it further develops its programming under this initiative.
Appalachian State University operates public campuses in Boone and Hickory serving over 21,000 students enrolled across more than 150 undergraduate majors along with over 80 graduate programs official website. The institution belongs to the University of North Carolina System official website and emphasizes preparing students for engaged global citizenship official website.
