Our colleges and universities have the opportunity to play a role in transforming the tone of our current national discourse and model the core values of our democratic society as we prepare students to be civically responsible.

How can Christian colleges and universities promote interfaith cooperation on their campuses while remaining true to their particular theological orientations? The authors explore why Christian colleges are uniquely situated to positively engage religious diversity and offer best practices for interfaith work in a Christian college context from…

This critical essay reviews Small's (2011) book reporting research on the spiritual identities and discursive practices of college students in intrafaith and interfaith dialogue. Small's recommendations and research methods are instructive and helpful to both scholars and practitioners in higher education and student affairs. This research opens…

This article examines what colleges and universities are doing, and failing to do, to prepare students for careers and lives that encourage the ethical consumption of resources that benefit individuals, society, and the environment. Are colleges and universities promoting the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values that contribute to a benevolent…

Social entrepreneurs work to find concrete solutions to large-scale problems that are scalable and sustainable. In this article, the authors explore what the framework of social entrepreneurship might offer those seeking to positively engage religious diversity on college campuses, and highlight two programs that offer examples of what such…

American democracy is in disarray. While many colleges and universities have responded to the democracy crisis, their efforts are falling short. This article reviews the current situation of civic education in higher education, explores its promise and current shortcomings, and provides a radical proposal for deepening civic education and…

Despite increased attention for environmental sustainability programming, large-scale adoption of pro-environmental behaviors has been slow and largely short-term. This article analyzes the crucial role of ethics in this respect. The authors utilize an interdisciplinary approach drawing on virtue ethics and cognitive development theory to…

In a recent volume of the "Journal of College and Character", Peter Magolda (2010) suggested that student administration professionals and campus religious groups should strive to overcome the separation that has been observed between the groups. In the present article, the author contends that good historical, moral, and legal reasons remain for…

This article presents the first half of an address at the 2011 Jon C. Dalton Institution on College Student Values. Drawing on personal reflections regarding his higher education experiences, the author argues that cultivating a robust disposition for benevolence requires a synthesis of intellectual engagement, critical self-reflection, and…

This article explores the purposes and impact of internationalization in higher education, with a particular focus on the impact of adopting Western models. The authors provide two examples that reflect different perspectives of character--examples that illuminate the need to contextualize and adapt Western assumptions and practices. If…

The number of students who do not believe in a higher power is rising, but these students often find themselves marginalized and struggle to gain acceptance on campus. Using data from the Secular Student Alliance, this article explores the interests of nonreligious nontheistic students, identifies issues these students face on campus, and offers…

For the past 40 years, Alverno College faculty, staff, and students have collaborated in the creation of an integrated learning and assessment model that requires students to demonstrate, and faculty to assess, eight core abilities: Communication, Analysis, Problem Solving, Valuing in Decision-Making, Social Interaction, Developing a Global…

In 1831, a young French intellectual named Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States. Less than a year later, he returned home to begin writing "Democracy in America," a two-volume book that is arguably the best ever written on its subject. It is quite remarkable that Tocqueville's book has proven to be so prophetic and enduring:…

First-year students typically come to college with little knowledge about the city they will call home. Universities can unite with their local communities to provide opportunities for student involvement while giving students a chance to learn what their city has to offer. Learning outcomes from a Mississippi State University first-year…

As a result of environmental turbulence created by economic turmoil and shifting social policies, the world of higher education is experiencing widespread change. Student affairs professionals are well-positioned to influence the future direction of higher education and the impact education has for students and society. The NASPA 2012 conference…