Franklin & Marshall College has been invited to participate in the Institute for Citizens & Scholars’ Campuswide Immersion (CWI) program, reflecting the College’s commitment to free inquiry and longstanding dedication to preparing students for leadership and engaged citizenship. 

This multi-year partnership connects F&M to a diverse cohort of peer institutions to focus on civic learning, constructive dialogue, and engagement across difference. F&M’s participation in CWI is an outgrowth of the College’s membership in College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a consortium dedicated to supporting a campus culture that fosters collaborative discussion and problem-solving. 

“We are grateful to have been selected for the cohort. It reflects the strength of the work already underway at F&M and promises continued growth as we develop world-ready leaders,” said F&M president Andrew Rich. “Encouraging free inquiry and expression and learning from the experiences and contributions of others are central to the F&M experience.”

Supported by esteemed foundations including ECMC, Knight, Lumina, and Teagle, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars is a nonprofit that partners with diverse leaders in higher education, business, and philanthropy, taking a collaborative approach to building hubs for civic development.

“Higher education has a responsibility to provide students with critical civic skills and knowledge to participate effectively in our constitutional democracy,” said Rajiv Vinnakota, the organization’s president. 

Founded in 1787, the same year that this nation’s constitution was signed, F&M has long prioritized students’ preparation for active participation in a democratic society. 

“Our approach to the liberal arts equips students with the skills they need to become engaged citizens in a global community,” said Sunita Gupta Kramer ’92, Provost and Dean of the Faculty. “Those same skills make F&M graduates natural leaders when they go on to build careers and lives of meaning.”

Drew Stelljes, Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of helping students develop their ability to forge common ground with people who hold opposing viewpoints. 

“These programs empower F&M students to lean into curiosity, listen with empathy, and converse respectfully with those who hold a different perspective,” said Stelljes. “These are skills that not only strengthen our community, but also prepare students to lead with wisdom and courage.” 

The College’s participation in CWI builds on existing courses and a range of academic and student affairs programs—including Perspectives, an evidence-based blended learning program partnership with the Constructive Dialogue Institute aimed to equip students with practical skills to engage in dialogue across differences. By continuing to build on this foundation with additional events, initiatives, and opportunities, F&M stands ready to equip students to navigate the complexity of the moment and shape the future with purpose and impact.