Tisch College of Civic Life

Tisch College of Civic Life is a university-wide college of Tufts University dedicated to promoting active citizenship and civic engagement. Founded in 2000 through a gift from Jonathan Tisch and his family, the college integrates civic education, research, and practice across all schools and disciplines of the university. Its mission is to prepare students for lifetimes of engagement in civic and democratic life, fostering a more equitable and participatory society through innovative programs and partnerships.

History

The college was formally established in 2000 following a transformative gift from Jonathan Tisch, a prominent alumnus and trustee of Tufts University, and the Tisch family, known for their leadership in Loews Corporation and philanthropy. Initially named the University College of Citizenship and Public Service, it was later renamed in honor of the Tisch family's support. Its founding dean was Rob Hollister, a professor of urban and environmental policy, who helped shape its interdisciplinary, university-wide model. The creation of the college reflected a growing national emphasis on service-learning and civic education in higher education, influenced by movements like Campus Compact. Over the years, it has expanded its scope from primarily student programming to encompass significant research initiatives and national partnerships, solidifying its role as a leader in the field of civic engagement.

Academic programs

Tisch College does not grant degrees but works to infuse civic learning across the curricula of Tufts' schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and the School of Medicine. Key programs include the Tisch Scholars program, which provides students with intensive community-based learning and leadership development. The college also oversees the Tufts 1+4 Bridge-Year Service Learning program, allowing incoming students to engage in a year of full-time service before beginning their academic studies. Furthermore, it supports faculty through grants and resources to develop civic studies courses and contributes to the university's ExCollege (Experimental College), which offers innovative student-taught courses on civic themes.

Research and initiatives

The college houses several research centers and initiatives that study and promote civic life. The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), a premier research center on youth civic engagement, is based at Tisch College and produces influential studies on topics like youth voting and civic education. The Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) runs the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which tracks electoral participation at hundreds of colleges. Other initiatives include the Tufts Civic Semester, an integrated gap-year program, and the JumboVote coalition, a nonpartisan effort to increase student voter turnout. Research often focuses on social capital, deliberative democracy, and community development.

Campus and community engagement

Tisch College facilitates extensive partnerships between the university and local, national, and global communities. In Medford and Somerville, it supports programs like the Tufts University Community Union (TUCU) and the University College of Citizenship and Public Service, which connect student volunteers with community organizations. The college also runs the Tisch Summer Fellows program, funding students in full-time civic internships. Nationally, it collaborates with organizations such as the Andrew Goodman Foundation and All In Campus Democracy Challenge. Global engagement is advanced through partnerships with institutions like the Talloires Network and projects addressing issues from public health to climate justice.

Leadership and organization

Tisch College is led by a dean who reports directly to the President of Tufts University. The current dean is Dayna Cunningham, who succeeded former dean Alan D. Solomont, a former U.S. Ambassador and longtime civic leader. The college's advisory board includes notable figures from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, such as Jonathan Tisch and Kentucky Secretary of State. Organizationally, it comprises several distinct centers and programs, including CIRCLE and the IDHE, each with its own director and research staff. The college works closely with other university divisions, including the Office of the Provost and Student Life, to fulfill its university-wide mission of fostering active citizenship.

Category:Tufts University Category:2000 establishments in Massachusetts