Mission: The Office of Civic Engagement for the Universities of Wisconsin empowers communities across the Universities of Wisconsin to engage deeply in democratic life through dialogue, collaboration, and civic action.
Vision: The Office of Civic Engagement for the Universities of Wisconsin will be a national leader in strengthening democracy, cultivating dialogue that connects people across differences, and fostering civic learning and engagement across campuses and communities.
UW Programs
OCE Internal Grant Program
OCE administers internal grants to support innovative initiatives aligned with its mission and vision. This program funds projects proposed by UW employees and students that advance civic learning, democratic engagement, and positive campus culture across the Universities of Wisconsin.
Grant applications for this grant cycle closed May 1, 2026 and review is underway.
A funding decision will be communicated no later than June 1, 2026.
Academic Freedom and Free Expression
Through elevating stories that highlight campus academic freedom and free expression efforts, collecting engagement data, and supporting annual compliance reporting, the OCE ensures systemwide compliance with Regent Policy Document 4-21 (RPD 4-21).
Did you know? Evidence of the University of Wisconsin System’s commitment to academic freedom dates back to 1894 and the historic trial of Richard Ely. From this moment emerged the enduring “sifting and winnowing” tradition, which affirms the university’s role in protecting open inquiry and free expression.
UW Training and Programming
OCE provides engaging professional development on civil dialogue, campus climate, the First Amendment, and civic participation. From quick, interactive webinars to immersive, full‑day in‑person workshop, OCE will meet campuses where they are and help them go further.
Community of Practice
OCE fosters collaboration across UW campuses to strengthen civic learning and engagement. The expanded group brings together over 30 members representing all 13 Universities of Wisconsin, creating a shared network for learning, collaboration, and support. Together, members developed the following shared description of civic engagement in the context of higher education:
Civic engagement is the intentional creation and sustainment of learning communities that equip individuals and groups to understand and practice their collective rights and responsibilities as active participants in democracy and civil society. This work is grounded in respect, collaboration, and constructive engagement across campuses and communities.
Community & K12 Partnerships
Statewide K12 Civics Teacher Training
OCE is excited to announce a major new initiative:
- $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education
- 18+ teacher training sessions across Wisconsin (2026-2028)
- 13 UW campus locations from Eau Claire to Parkside
- Multiple partners including the Jack Miller Center and Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition
This three-year project will strengthen civic education for students across public, charter, and voucher schools statewide.
Wisconsin Civics Games
Congratulations to the winning team, Wauwatosa West High School Team 2!
Nearly 200 students representing 52 teams from 33 schools across Wisconsin participated in the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games, demonstrating student engagement in civics education and democratic participation statewide.
Preliminary competitions took place virtually over two days, April 8-9, with students competing in fast-paced, head-to-head matchups covering topics such as the role of government, the U.S. Constitution, Wisconsin and U.S. history, elections, public policy, and current events. The state championship took place on May 1 at our Capitol.