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Overview of Civic Engagement at Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Introduction
Universities have historically been centers of civic engagement and political activity, as they
have connected young adults with their communities and the larger issues facing the United
States by instilling a sense of consciousness in students. Recently, attention has been paid to
the extent of which universities encourage students to engage in real-world issues, at both the
local and national level. Additionally, the importance of young voter turnout and voting habits in
determining the outcomes of recent elections has put more emphasis on trends in students’
civic engagement (Galston and Hendrickson, 2016).
Community service, in particular is an important aspect of civic life. Community service often
encourages students’ sense of moral responsibility and social concern (Soria, Nobbe and Fink,
2013). Research universities have a particular history of and opportunity to boost student
participation in community service and other activities that encourage engagement in social
issues (Lewis, 2014). Some scholars and higher education professionals would argue that
universities have a responsibility to renew their civic mission (Boyte and Hollander, 1999) and
foster an engagement culture (Lewis, 2014). As such, it is important that university
administrators have a better understanding of the nature and reason for students’ involvement
in community service.
When coupled with research regarding civic engagement, data on community-based
engagement becomes more impactful. Research has demonstrated that community service
opportunities can have a positive impact on students’ level of engagement in political issues,
particularly by increasing their moral-political awareness (Yates and Youniss, 1996). Young
adult participation in the American democratic system, through voting, has been in the spotlight
following recent elections. Civic engagement data provides university leaders with a better
understanding of the ways in which the university can foster the development of social and civic
responsibility among students, and ultimately renew young adults’ commitment to a
participative, democratic society.
Dan Lewis noted that, “university administrators and faculty understand that the American
democracy depends on them for leaders. Academic leaders recognize the responsibility to
prepare their students to be informed and active citizens. Indeed, it is not controversial to
suggest that our democracy needs its very brightest citizens to be involved in the democratic
process” (Lewis, 2014, p. 58). With this in mind, it is important for university leaders to remain
informed about the community service and civic engagement trends among the student body so
that they can consider the university’s role in developing engaged citizens.
Analysis
In the 2017 administration of the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey,
data was collected that relates to the civic and political engagement of undergraduate students
at Rutgers University. While the survey was administered to all undergraduate students,
including those at Rutgers- New Brunswick, Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers-Camden, and Rutgers
Biomedical and Health Sciences, this analysis focuses on the responses of Rutgers- New
Brunswick students.
Analyses of students’ civic and political engagement were based on responses to two sets of
questions.
The first module focused on student experiences with civic engagement, particularly focusing on
the nature of and motivations for students’ self-reported community service activities within the
past academic year, amount of time spent on such activities, academic-based participation in
community-related activities or service learning, and their awareness regarding social issues
and community responsibility.
The second module focused on political engagement, specifically whether or not students voted
in the 2016 presidential election. If they did not vote, they were asked why. Those students who
reported that they did vote answered questions related to who they voted for, their level of
involvement in the campaign process, their sentiments about their knowledge of policy issues
and role in the political process, and what issues were most important to them as voters.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
Opportunities toengage incommunity
service while aRutgers
Universitystudent are
important to me
Opportunities todevelop my
leadership skillswhile a Rutgers
Universitystudent are
important to me
Opportunities toconnect my
academic workwith community-
basedexperience areimportant to me
12.57%
19.76%
19.59%
27.63%
35.23%
34.06%
36.77%
30.98%
32.75%
11.45%
8.07%
7.84%
7.42%
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?ResponseStrongly disagree
Disagree
Disagree somewhat
Agree somewhat
Agree
Strongly agree
N=4,351
N=4,348
N=4,339
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
Off Campus
On Campus
58.71%
65.54%
41.29%
34.46%
During this academic year, have you participated in community service?ResponseYes
No
N=4,425
N=4,425
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
Required as part of myacademic program
Required by myfraternity/sorority
Unique/interestingopportunity arose
Encouragement fromfriends or family
Encouragement from RUfaculty/staff
Encouragement from otherRU students
Belief in particular cause
Location of the work
Opportunity to learn newthings
Opportunity to enhanceacademic achievement
Opportunity to developleadership skills
Become better citizen &community participant
Change conditions incommunity
Strenghen resume for gradschool/employment
Other
72.23%
72.70%
29.55%
47.18%
67.52%
51.21%
21.66%
40.93%
30.66%
47.47%
34.23%
19.24%
26.79%
37.88%
28.92%
27.35%
26.24%
69.81%
51.97%
31.85%
48.11%
77.54%
57.96%
68.37%
51.59%
65.27%
80.21%
72.57%
61.53%
5.94%
Which of the following were significant reasons for getting involved in communityservice?
N=2,345
N=2,330
N=2,340
N=2,335
N=2,339
N=2,340
N=2,336
N=2,329
N=2,332
N=2,333
N=2,343
N=2,342
N=2,340
N=2,341
N=821
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
ResponseA significant reason
Not a significant reason
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
Total Count of Responses
Education
Health
Social Issues
Environment
Arts
Economicdevelopment
Internationaldevelopment
Other
1,135
914
954
613
174
129
118
132
What was the focus of the organization where you did this community service?(Select all that apply)
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%% of Total Response
19.33%26.01%44.40% 4.06%6.20%
Thinking about your participation in all forms of community service, which includes service throughclubs, courses, and one-time events, please estimate how many total hours of service you completedthis academic year:
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
% of Total Response
10.90%84.16%
How many times have you enrolled in a Rutgers University course that had a service-learningcomponent?
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
% of Total Response
13.41%24.34%56.71% 5.54%
In considering all of the service-learning courses you took, what was the average number of hours ofservice you completed for a course?
1-10 hours 11-20 hours 21-50 hours 51-100
hours
More than
100 hours
N=2,338
N=686
Zero Once Twice
Three times
More than three times
N=4,394
1-10 hours 11-25 hours 26-50 hoursMore than50 hours
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
Study Abroad or otherinternationally-basedexperience with a
service learning focus
Community-basedcapstone experience
Internship or clinicalpracticum
Academic field study
Community-basedresearch
Other, please elaborate
16.41%
12.13%
88.26%
89.38%
76.39%
83.17%
87.24%
91.36%
7.19%
9.39%
8.69%
9.31%
To what extent have you been involved in the following community-focusedexperiences during this academic year or last summer?
Responses:Not at all
Once
More than Once
N=1,840
N=4,295
N=4,277
N=4,295
N=4,294
N=4,303
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
% of Total Response
24.75%14.08%17.05%14.14%24.31%
In considering your overall experience(s) with community-focused learning activities during thisacademic year, which of the following best characterizes the purpose of those experience(s)?
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
% of Total Response
20.13%57.37%22.51%
To what extent has your participation in community-based activities at this campus influenced yourdesire to continue community-focused activities after you graduate?
Charity(providing help to individuals)
Empoweringothers
ParticipatoryDemocracy(changing laws)
Social change(changing societalconditions or views)
Communitydevelopment
Job experience or specific career development
Not at all To some extent To a great extent
N=1,584
N=1,595
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
Other
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
Acknowledge personal differences-In classroom
Acknowledge personal differences-Outside classroom
Define an issue/challenge and identifysolutions-
In classroomDefine an issue/challenge and identify
solutions-Outside classroom
Implement a solution to anissue/challenge-In classroom
Implement a solution to anissue/challenge-
Outside classroom Reflect upon the solution of an
issue/challenge-In classroom
Reflect upon the solution of anissue/challenge-
Outside classroomReflect on community/social issues as
shared responsibility-In classroom
Reflect on community/social issues asshared responsibility-Outside classroom
Reflect on your individual responsibilityfor community/social issues-
In classroomReflect on your individual responsibility
for community/social issues-Outside classroom
Act on community/social issues-In classroom
Act on community/social issues-Outside classroom
21.35%
10.93%
13.48%
12.48%
11.45%
13.24%
10.42%
22.29%
10.17%
26.02%
16.93%
14.24% 14.47%
21.83%
23.47%
21.72%
20.62%
21.85%
14.92%
21.54%
18.00%
19.52%
15.46%
19.41%
11.32%
14.99%
24.31%
25.53%
28.00%
29.52%
27.38%
27.65%
28.05%
27.91%
26.14%
27.25%
17.15%
26.08%
22.73%
25.03%
23.73%
22.91%
24.32%
23.70%
24.24%
23.14%
25.23%
24.29%
26.91%
24.80%
25.90%
25.61%
24.22%
26.23%
17.86%
13.12%
10.40%
12.19%
10.70%
10.59%
9.34%
9.77%
9.39%
9.46%
8.12%
9.96%
7.41%
7.13%
8.76%7.85%
7.36%
8.35%
9.91%
9.40%
How often have you been asked to...?ResponseNever
Rarely
Occasionally
Sometimes
Often
Very often
N=4,278
N=4,269
N=4,260
N=4,258
N=4,258
N=4,261
N=4,249
N=4,253
N=4,251
N=4,246
N=4,251
N=4,245
N=4,249
N=4,235
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
2016 Election- Which candidate did you vote for?
N=2,652
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
12.74%12.48%67.09%
Responses:Darrell Castle- Constitutional
Hillary Clinton- Democrat
Jill Stein- Green
Gary Johnson- Libertarian
Donald J. Trump- Republican
Other
Decline to State
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
25.37%21.52%15.83%10.94%23.11%
2016 Election- Why did you not vote?
N=1,636
Responses:
I was eligible to vote but chose not to vote
I was eligible and intended to vote but ran out of time
I was registered but not where I go to school
I was not registered
I am not a US citizen
I was not 18 at the time of the election
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
38.11%61.89%
2016 Election- During 2016 national election did you vote for President?
N=4,317Responses:Yes
No
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
Total Count of Responses
Give money tocandidate/cause
Try to influenceother's vote
Wear campaignbutton, put stickeron car, or place sign
at residence
Work on politicalcampaign
1,572
310
690
162
2016 Election-During the last national political election did you...(Select all that apply)
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
13.44%25.28%31.65%14.85%9.74%
I have a role to play in the political process...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
12.40%23.36%31.93%17.34%10.40%
When policy issues are discussed, I have something to say...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
10.40%16.89%30.73%22.12%13.13%6.73%
I am better informed about politics/government than most people...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
11.68%21.30%29.47%18.57%11.70%7.27%
I am well qualified to participate in the political process...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
% of Total Response
11.70%28.05%37.21%13.72%6.37%
I have a good understanding of political issues facing the country...
Responses:Strongly disagree
Disagree
Disagree somewhat
Agree somewhat
Agree
Strongly agree
Level of Agreement-
N=4,249
N=4,250
N=4,250
N=4,248
N=4,257
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning
Abortion
Climate Change
Defense/National Security
Education
Environment
Equal rights/ pay/
opportunity
Federal Budget
Deficit/Balanced Budget
Foreign Policy/
International Affairs
Government Regulation
Health
Honesty/Integrity
Jobs
Medicare/
Care for the Elderly
Social Security
Taxes
The Economy
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Total Count of Responses 1,186
1,739
1,421 1,405
994
468
736
302
828
261
740
816
119 110
309
752
2016 Election-Which of the following were the most importantissues for you in the presidential election?(Select up to 3)
Responses:Abortion
Climate Change
Defense/National Security
Education
Environment
Equal rights/ pay/ opportunity
Federal Budget Deficit/Balanced Budget
Foreign Policy/ International Affairs
Government Regulation
Health
Honesty/Integrity
Jobs
The Economy
SERU 2017 AdministrationReport Prepared by Rutgers Office of Institutional Researchand Academic Planning
Medicare/ Care for the Elderly
Social Security
Taxes
References
Boyte, H., & Hollander, E. (1999). Wingspread declaration on renewing the civic mission of the
American research university. Providence, RI: Campus Compact.
Galston,W. & Hendrickson, C. (2016). How millennials voted this election. Brookings. Retrieved
from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2016/11/21/how-millennials-voted/.
Lewis, D. (2014). Engagement and citizenship: A new core for the university. The Journal of
General Education, 63(1), 57-63.
(2012, November 26). Young voters supported Obama less but may have mattered more. Pew
Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.people-press.org/2012/11/26/young-voters-
supported-obama-less-but-may-have-mattered-more/
Soria, K., Nobbe, J. & Fink, A. (2013). Examining the intersections between undergraduate
engagement in community service and development of socially responsible leadership. Journal
of Leadership Education, 12 (1), 117-139.
Yates, M., & Youniss, J. (1996). A developmental perspective on community
service in adolescence. Social Development, 5(1), 85–111.
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