These are just a few ways to get started with civic engagement at Bard. Want to learn more? Stop by the CCE offices in the Resnick Family Gatehouse or email [email protected].
Democracy Day
Democracy Day features events and opportunities designed to educate incoming students on the importance of supporting democratic ideals and practices. The day typically features a panel discussion on topics related to preserving democracy and teach-ins in various classes. Students can also participate in local civic engagement opportunities or action-focused workshops.
Upcoming Events
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9/18Thursday5:00 pm – 6:30 pm EDT/GMT-4
Bertelsmann Campus Center, Weis Cinema
The Storm Inside the Shelter: Assessing the Past, Present, and Future of Advocacy and Activism at HBCUs
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm EDT/GMT-4 | Bertelsmann Campus Center, Weis CinemaPlease RSVP HERE for the location of the Dinner & Dialogue following the talk.
Jelani M. Favors is United Negro College Fund Vice President and Senior Director of the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, and formerly the Henry E. Frye distinguished professor of history, and inaugural director of the Center of Excellence for Social Justice at North Carolina A&T State University. (NC A&T). Dr. Favors’ publications include Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership & Activism, a book which focuses on the prominent role of HBCUs as essential institutions for the African American community, fostering what he calls a “second curriculum” which has shaped the political destiny of the United States. He is also author of a chapter in the forthcoming book Youth Voting Rights: Civil Rights, the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, and the Fight for American Democracy on College Campuses which emerged from a Network Collaborative Course between Bard and NC A&T in which he co-taught, entitled Student Voting: Power, Politics and Race in the Fight for American Democracy.
The talk is co-sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement, OEI, Brothers@Bard, the Hannah Arendt Center, and Africana Studies. -
9/18Thursday6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT/GMT-4
RSVP for location
For the Love Of Community Dinner & Discussion
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT/GMT-4 | RSVP for locationJoin the Center for Civic Engagement for an evening with Dr. Jelani Favors.
Please RSVP HERE for the location of the Dinner & Discussion.
Jelani M. Favors is United Negro College Fund Vice President and Senior Director of the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, and formerly the Henry E. Frye distinguished professor of history, and inaugural director of the Center of Excellence for Social Justice at North Carolina A&T State University. (NC A&T). Dr. Favors’ publications include Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership & Activism, a book which focuses on the prominent role of HBCUs as essential institutions for the African American community, fostering what he calls a “second curriculum” which has shaped the political destiny of the United States. He is also author of a chapter in the forthcoming book Youth Voting Rights: Civil Rights, the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, and the Fight for American Democracy on College Campuses which emerged from a Network Collaborative Course between Bard and NC A&T in which he co-taught, entitled Student Voting: Power, Politics and Race in the Fight for American Democracy.
Civic Ambassadors
The Civic Ambassadors Program seeks to help Bard students, faculty, and staff better understand and connect with their communities. Whether you want to participate in our discussion groups, book clubs, community dinners, mutual aid support, volunteering opportunities, or simply wish to know more about what’s happening in the local, state, and federal government, the Civic Ambassadors can help!
Start or Join a Project
The Trustee Leader Scholar Program
The Trustee Leader Scholar Program (TLS) is a student leadership incubator at Bard College. Students design and run their own projects, from local partnerships with community organizations to annual international volunteer trips. You can join an established project or start your own with support from the TLS Office. Visit the second floor of the Campus Center or email [email protected].
Opportunities to Get Involved
Photo by Sarah Wallock ’19
Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences (ELAS) courses bring theory to practice by linking coursework, critical thinking, and engagement activities. A form of experiential learning, ELAS courses allow students to test ideas in the real world and develop creative approaches to social, cultural, and scientific issues.
Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference
The annual Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference, organized by Bard College together with partners from GHEA21, brings together student leaders to develop community leadership skills and to collaborate on solutions to local and global challenges.