Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life

Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life is a university college located at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, and is named after Jonathan M. Tisch, a prominent Loews Corporation executive and Tufts University trustee. The college is dedicated to promoting civic engagement and community service through various academic programs and research initiatives, in collaboration with institutions such as the National Conference on Citizenship, Campus Compact, and the American Association of Colleges and Universities. As part of its mission, the college works closely with organizations like the Federal Election Commission, National Association of Secretaries of State, and the League of Women Voters to foster a culture of civic participation and democratic engagement. The college's efforts are also informed by the work of scholars and practitioners at institutions like the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, Stanford University Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, and the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.

● History

The college was established in 2000 with a generous gift from Jonathan M. Tisch and his family, with the goal of promoting civic education and community engagement among Tufts University students, in partnership with organizations like the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, and the National Service-Learning Partnership. Since its founding, the college has worked to integrate civic learning into the Tufts University curriculum, in collaboration with faculty from departments like the Tufts University Department of Political Science, Tufts University Department of Sociology, and the Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning. The college has also established partnerships with institutions like the Boston University Center for Civic Engagement, Northeastern University Center for Community Service, and the University of Massachusetts Boston Institute for Community Inclusion to advance its mission. Additionally, the college has hosted events and conferences featuring prominent speakers like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Kerry, and has collaborated with organizations like the National Academy of Public Administration, American Society for Public Administration, and the International City/County Management Association.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of the college is to educate Tufts University students for civic engagement and democratic participation, in partnership with organizations like the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, Every Voice, and the Brennan Center for Justice. The college aims to achieve this mission by providing students with opportunities for community service, civic learning, and research on civic issues, in collaboration with institutions like the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The college's objectives include promoting civic literacy and critical thinking among students, as well as fostering a sense of social responsibility and community engagement, in partnership with organizations like the Points of Light Foundation, Youth Service America, and the National Youth Leadership Council. The college also seeks to advance civic research and scholarship through collaborations with institutions like the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy.

● Academic Programs

The college offers a range of academic programs and courses that focus on civic engagement, community service, and civic learning, in partnership with departments like the Tufts University Department of Philosophy, Tufts University Department of Psychology, and the Tufts University Department of Economics. These programs include the Civic Studies major and minor, as well as certificate programs in Civic Engagement and Community Service, which are informed by the work of scholars and practitioners at institutions like the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of California, Los Angeles Luskin School of Public Affairs, and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. The college also offers study abroad programs and internships that provide students with opportunities for civic engagement and community service in domestic and international settings, in collaboration with organizations like the Institute for International Public Policy, International Rescue Committee, and the United States Agency for International Development.

● Research and Initiatives

The college is engaged in a range of research initiatives and projects that focus on civic issues and community engagement, in partnership with institutions like the Pew Research Center, Gallup, and the National Opinion Research Center. These initiatives include studies on voter turnout, civic participation, and community service, as well as evaluations of civic programs and policies, which are informed by the work of scholars and practitioners at institutions like the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, and the Center for American Progress. The college also hosts conferences and events that bring together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss civic issues and community engagement, in collaboration with organizations like the National Press Club, Newseum, and the Aspen Institute.

● Campus and Facilities

The college is located on the Tufts University campus in Medford, Massachusetts, and has its own building and facilities, which are designed to promote civic engagement and community service. The college's facilities include classrooms, meeting rooms, and office space for faculty and staff, as well as resources and support services for students, which are informed by the work of institutions like the American Institute of Architects, National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the Society for College and University Planning. The college is also close to Boston and other regional civic institutions, which provides students with opportunities for civic engagement and community service in a urban setting, in partnership with organizations like the Boston Foundation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

● Notable Affiliations and Partnerships

The college has established partnerships with a range of civic organizations and institutions, including the National Conference on Citizenship, Campus Compact, and the American Association of Colleges and Universities. The college also works closely with government agencies like the Federal Election Commission, National Association of Secretaries of State, and the League of Women Voters to promote civic engagement and democratic participation. Additionally, the college has affiliations with foundations and non-profit organizations like the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which support its mission and objectives, in collaboration with institutions like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The college's partnerships and affiliations provide students with opportunities for civic engagement, community service, and research on civic issues, in partnership with organizations like the Points of Light Foundation, Youth Service America, and the National Youth Leadership Council.