Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life

Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life is a unique, university-wide college at Tufts University dedicated to promoting active citizenship and civic engagement. Founded with a transformative gift from Jonathan Tisch and the Tisch family, it operates without traditional academic departments, instead integrating its mission across the entire Medford/Somerville campus and other Tufts schools. The college serves as a national leader in civic education, fostering research, practice, and advocacy to strengthen democratic participation in the United States and globally.

History and establishment

The college's origins trace to the 2000 founding of the University College of Citizenship and Public Service, an initiative championed by then-university president John DiBiaggio. This entity was renamed the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service in 2006 following a historic gift from Jonathan Tisch, chairman of Loews Corporation and a member of the Tufts University Board of Trustees. The institution was formally re-envisioned and renamed the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life in 2017, reflecting an evolved, broader focus on the systemic study and practice of civic life. This evolution was guided by deans including Rob Hollister and Alan D. Solomont, a former United States Ambassador to Spain.

Mission and focus

The core mission is to prepare students at Tufts University and beyond for lifetimes of effective civic engagement and to be informed, participatory citizens. Its focus extends beyond traditional volunteerism to encompass the study of civic studies, social justice, political participation, and community development. The college emphasizes bridging divides between academic study and real-world application, working to embed civic purpose across all disciplines, from the School of Engineering to the School of Medicine. It operates on the principle that civic skills are essential for addressing complex challenges like climate change, public health, and racial inequality.

Academic programs and initiatives

While not granting degrees itself, the college deeply influences the curriculum and student experience at Tufts University. Key programs include the Civic Studies major, one of the first of its kind in the nation, and the Tisch Scholars program, which places students in sustained community partnerships in Boston and surrounding cities. Other major initiatives are the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), a premier research center on youth civic engagement, and the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education, which focuses on college student voting and political learning. The college also hosts the Active Citizenship Summer program and supports the Tufts Community Union Senate.

Research and impact

Research is a central pillar, with faculty and affiliated scholars producing influential studies on voter turnout, civic education, social movements, and civic technology. The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) is widely cited for its data on youth electoral participation and its analysis of trends following events like the 2020 United States presidential election. The college's impact is measured through increased student voting rates at Tufts University, the development of national assessment tools like the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), and partnerships with organizations such as the Knight Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Leadership and namesake

The college is named for its principal benefactor, Jonathan Tisch, a prominent business leader, philanthropist, and co-chairman of the Board of Trustees of Tufts University. Its founding dean was Rob Hollister, a professor of urban and environmental policy. Subsequent leadership included Dean Alan D. Solomont, the former U.S. Ambassador, and the current dean, Dayna Cunningham, who previously led the Community Innovators Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The college's advisory board includes notable figures from the nonprofit sector, government, and media, helping to guide its strategic direction and national influence.

Category:Tufts University Category:Educational institutions established in 2000