College Students and Political Engagement: Reigniting the Spark

Monoka Venters, Florida State University

Abstract

Abstract Coming into the 21st century, college students were not politically engaged. This paper proposes that higher education institutions rely on William Perry’s ethical and intellectual development scheme to help students become politically engaged. Because most college students will reach Perry’s position of commitment in relativism, institutions should utilize students’ growth by applying five lessons: (1) College is the right time to focus on political engagement, (2) Institutions must defend political engagement as a legitimate mission, (3) Programs must address the students’ disillusionment, (4) Programs must specifically target political engagement, and (5) Institutions must teach the habit of political engagement.