The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) provides resources, opportunities, and support for teaching, learning, and practicing viewpoint diversity; freedom of expression; academic freedom; civil dialogue; and civic participation within our universities and communities.
WICCD Grant Program
The program funds projects submitted by UW employees and students that support WICCD’s vision and mission. WICCD prioritizes funding grant projects likely to have positive impacts on campus culture.
WICCD seeks proposals in four areas:
- (R) research
- (E) events and related activities
- (A) assessment and evaluation
- (D) curriculum and professional development
UW Student Campus Free Speech and Academic Freedom Workshop
Saturday, April 20, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at UW-La Crosse
This workshop is a non-credit-bearing educational enrichment experience for students enrolled full-time in a UW university. Registration is required to participate. The deadline to apply is March 29, but only 24 students will be accepted, so don’t wait to apply!
Participating students will receive a $400 all-inclusive stipend. Students accepted to the workshop are required to complete a set of readings to prepare for the workshop and actively participate during the workshop.
WICCD Civil Dialogue Events
The Universities of Wisconsin are committed to teaching, sharing, and practicing civil dialogue at our universities and throughout Wisconsin. Civil discourse is characterized by robust, honest, frank, and constructive dialogue and deliberation. It involves individuals with diverse perspectives engaging in discussions to seek understanding and, at times, to advance the public interest. Importantly, civil discourse aims to achieve these goals without degrading or disrespecting each other’s beliefs in the process. There are many types and models of civil dialogue processes with no one “right” way to do it. Which approach to use depends on the issue, the setting, the participants, the stakeholders, the desired outcomes, and other factors. For this reason, WICCD only offers a small slice of potential tools, techniques, and trainings. Where WICCD cannot offer services, we will strive to link you to appropriate training and support. Contact WIPPS executive director Eric Giordano to discuss options.
WICCD Free Expression & Academic Freedom Events
Engaging sessions facilitated by WICCD’s Interim Director Shiell and or designee/s. The terms “free expression” and “academic freedom” are used here to encompass all First Amendment rights. The First Amendment rights include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, the right to petition, freedom of expressive association, and academic freedom. These freedom focused events typically address all or nearly all of these rights focusing primarily on the major principles and doctrines. Presentations and discussions will also address both legal and ethical factors. Other customized workshops, trainings, and presentations may be arranged upon request. Requests include aspects of citizenship, civil dialogue, expressive rights history, the justification for expressive rights, and more. Contact the WICCD director to discuss options.
Vision & Mission
WICCD’s vision is for the Universities of Wisconsin to be national leaders in producing and disseminating knowledge and enhancing democracy through civil dialogue in a robust marketplace of ideas.
Accordingly, its mission is to provide resources, opportunities, and support for teaching, learning, and practicing viewpoint diversity; freedom of expression; academic freedom; civil dialogue; and civic participation within our universities and communities.