Common Cause: Strengthening Our Democracy From Campus Compact

Posted by Campus Compact on December 2, 2025

Campus Compact brings you stories and resources that explore the many different ways colleges and universities contribute to building a stronger and more robust democracy for us all.

We know that colleges and universities are essential to ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be active and effective participants in our democracy. We know that it is no longer enough to simply ensure that every citizen is informed about how to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Instead, the vital skills today’s students need are those that enable them to talk across differences, bridge divides, and address public problems.

A 2024 survey of students conducted on behalf of SNF Dialogue revealed that 90% felt colleges and universities needed to do more to support free expression, offering insight into what they hope their institutions will prioritize.

As colleges and universities look to expand their democracy-related work, it can be helpful to map your efforts. Campus Compact and the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) have developed the Democracy Inventory Guide and its accompanying Activity Rubric to support your efforts, which are crucial for planning and identifying where gaps for additional programming might exist.

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