Taking a Deep Dive into the Emergent Theory of Change

Abstract

The civic learning and democratic engagement (CLDE) emergent theory of change builds on the 2012 report A Crucible Moment, asking vital questions about higher education’s role in advancing CLDE. Though it can be difficult for practitioners to dive deep into such questions once the school year begins, if they do not continuously ask how their efforts contribute to a thriving democracy, they may miss opportunities for richer student experiences and collaborative efforts across their respective campuses. As a lead consulting institution for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the University of North Carolina Greensboro decided to frame its cohort conversations around this theory of change and to apply the theory to initiatives and programs at institutions across the United States. This article expands upon the presentation the authors delivered at the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting in June 2018 in Anaheim, California, centering on the transition from theory to practice.