The University of Florida is among the nation’s first 121 institutions to be awarded the Highly Established Action Plan seal for its efforts to develop a strong, nonpartisan democratic engagement plan during the recent mid-term elections.
The recognition was given by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, an initiative that helps colleges and universities increase nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a lengthy set of action items to better institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on their campus.
ALL IN currently engages over 9.8 million students from more than 960 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
UF has demonstrated its commitment to the civic engagement plan by hosting civic education programs, formalizing the Gators Vote Cabinet with representatives from student organizations across campus, and establishing the Bob Graham Center as a hub for all things voting at vote.ufl.edu.
Dr. Teresa Cornacchione, UF’s civic engagement coordinator and an instructor in the Graham Center, says she has seen the positive impact that civic engagement initiatives have on the UF community.
“We are so excited, not only for the university to be recognized in this way, but I’m also excited for what this says about Gen Z and its commitment to civic engagement and community,” she said.
“I think it really speaks well for the future of our democracy. These achievements show the difference that such efforts have on students and campus voting culture,” she adds.
“We are guiding a generation of young voters committed to their civic duties. UF is honored to be recognized among universities for institutionalizing and increasing democratic engagement.”