Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s Director David Hoffman, Ph.D. '13, and Coordinator for Civic Design Tess McRae ’22, coauthored “Learning Opportunities Foster Civic Agency, Social Trust,” for the fall issue of Leadership Exchange. Dr. Hoffman and McRae share how the Center has created “learning opportunities through which students develop the confidence, skills, and clarity of perspective to cultivate social norms that foster civic agency and social trust, and to challenge and change norms that inhibit agency and trust. The learning opportunities focus on ‘civic life maxims’ – brief assertions illuminate taken-for-granted assumptions and behaviors that underlie civic life and point to alternative possibilities.” 

The article also includes quotes from UMBC alumna Katie Brungard ‘24, and current student Christian Jassani, who explains, "Learning about these maxims has made me a stronger leader. I can better understand how my choices affect others. I now know how to convey messages in a more personable and effective way that makes change more likely." 

NASPA’s Leadership Exchange magazine helps prepare chief student affairs officers for the most complex management challenges in higher education today. The magazine includes news and analysis on the latest trends in student affairs, insider perspectives from leaders in higher education and management, and tips and tools for managing diverse staffs and an ever-expanding set of responsibilities.