Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is at the heart of our core values.
But what is civic engagement? Civic engagement can be a number of different activities, ranging from volunteer work at a local soup kitchen to writing a letter to a state official. Here at Widener 75% of our seniors participated in community service or volunteer activities, 29% as part of a course, compared to 17% of college students nationally (2009 National Survey of Student Engagement).
Lead On
In Project LEAD, students get a jump-start on leadership development by taking the lead on a civic engagement project. Once comfortable around campus, students can decide to volunteer through one of our student service organizations to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Student athletes may find managing concession stands and games at the Delaware County Special Olympics – a decades-long tradition carried on by our Athletics Department – a great way to get civically involved.
If a student wishes to be part of Greek life, they will get involved in numerous service opportunities, as our fraternities and sororities were engaged in 2,569 service hours in 2010-2011.
Students in our School of Law provide free legal assistance through clinics that help veterans, victims of domestic violence, and others who are concerned with bankruptcy, family issues, environmental crimes, criminal defense, consumer issues, and divorce in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Engaged Everywhere
Inside and outside the classroom, students will find:
- Undergraduate education students and Widener faculty working side-by-side in the Widener Partnership Charter School and the Widener Childhood Development Center.
- Graduate students in our physical therapy program who help Chester residents in a neighborhood physical therapy clinic at no or low cost.
Sometimes getting involved at Widener will take students across the U.S. – or across the globe – where they will:
- Put in “sweat equity” with Habitat for Humanity in cities and towns across the U.S. while on Alternative Spring Break.
- Bring low-cost, sustainable solar energy to a tribal village in Panama through Solar Energy for Ella Drua (SEED), a project started by Widener’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter.
Leadership Skills That Make A Difference
As a member of the Presidential Service Corps (PSC)/Bonner Leaders, students have the opportunity to tutor school children or be a companion for the elderly in the local community and participate in an international trip every year to help others beyond the borders of the United States.
Our students are encouraged to get involved because no matter what their personal interests may be, there are always opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
Difference makers
Video
Difference makers
Video
Difference makers
Video
Difference makers
Video
Difference makers
Video
Difference makers
Video
Program Highlight
The 1821 Experience
In this pre-orientation program, you will explore how multiculturalism adds to the college experience and connect with other students on campus.
Program Highlight
Summit Widener
This multi-day backpacking trip, led by members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, offers incoming Widener students a chance to build self-confidence and a social network of like-minded students on campus while having fun in the Appalachian Mountains.
Program Highlight
ELEVATE
This student life leadership program, Enhancing Leadership Experience Via Activities, Training, and Engagement, aka ELEVATE, allows you to build or hone your leadership skills with learning tracks for emerging student leaders.
Program Highlight
Oskin Leaders
The Oskin Leaders program inspires and equips Widener undergraduates to courageously leverage their passion and leadership skills to create significant, positive change.
Program Highlight
PSC/Bonner Leaders Program
This program connects Widener students with a service movement of college students around the country. Students in the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leaders Program complete 300 hours of community service and a variety of leadership activities.
Difference Makers
Continuing Studies
University College student Dale Kerns Jr. established the Little Angels Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer, tumors, and other deadly diseases.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Major Anna Miller ‘12, from East Prospect, PA, served as site team leader at CityTeam International in Chester, where she coordinated the efforts of 10 other PSC students.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology Major Sara E. McManus ’13 has been named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.
Difference Makers
Alternative Spring Break
Anthropology Major Jess Viscuso ’12 and Nursing Major Devin Weesner ’13 coordinated Alternative Spring Break efforts for 87 students and faculty and staff chaperones at six locations throughout the U.S.
Difference Makers
Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Doctoral Student Scott Cheney serves on the board of the Society for Student-run Medical Clinics, where he is one of five national directors charged with planning the society’s international conference.
Difference Makers
Widener University
President James T. Harris III has been appointed chair of the Board Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) for 2012–13. Harris has served on the AICUP Board of Directors since 2007, most recently as vice-chair.
Difference Makers
Widener Observatory
Dr. Harry Augensen, associate dean of science and professor of physics and astronomy, helped alumnus Dominic Liberto ’08 arrange a private moment during a public viewing at the Widener University Observatory to propose to his girlfriend, Jenn. She said yes!
