Coastal Carolina University has been selected to participate in a national initiative on civic learning and democratic engagement. CCU has been named one of almost 100 colleges and universities in the nation as a Lead Institution by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the leading voice for the student affairs profession.

As a participating institution in NASPA's initiative, CCU will continue to encourage students' civic development through thoughtful community partnerships, engaging leadership opportunities and democratic participation.

"We are pleased to be selected to participate in NASPA's network of institutions dedicated to developing students' sense of civic identity. Civic engagement is a core value of higher education and our mission at Coastal Carolina University," said Deborah Conner, vice president for Student Affairs. "Being recognized as a national leader in this field is a reflection of the quality of our current efforts and our ongoing commitment to inspiring students to challenge themselves through leadership and service roles."

Jordan Smith in the Office of Student Life will direct the initiative.

"Civic Engagement at Coastal seeks to educate students through volunteer opportunities, service learning and activism," said Smith. "Hopefully, these students will strive to understand the shared strengths and challenges of the Grand Strand community by engaging in impactful collaborative action on campus and off campus."

For the 2013-2014 academic year, CCU's Office of Student Life events logged 22,621 volunteer service hours, and the number of volunteers was 3,459. Campuswide, more than 100,000 hours of service were logged, and 850 community meals were provided during the Thanksgiving and Easter seasons through student-sponsored events.

For more information, inquiries may be directed to Smith at 843-349-2301 or jsmith8@coastal.edu.