Overview of Civic Engagement at Rutgers University New …oirap.rutgers.edu/surveys/SERU/Topical Analyses/Civic... · 2018-01-31 · following recent elections. Civic engagement data

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


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


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)


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


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


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


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


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


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)


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


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.

Documents

Overview of Civic Engagement at Rutgers University New …oirap.rutgers.edu/surveys/SERU/Topical Analyses/Civic... · 2018-01-31 · following recent elections. Civic engagement data