The Board of Trustees of the University System of West Virginia applauds the efforts of its institutions to promote good citizenship through curricular components in credit courses, opportunities for internships and clinical experiences, and support for public service activities. Recognizing the importance of good citizenship in a society which is increasingly multicultural and globally interdependent, the board encourages the institutions to approach citizenship education to the fullest extent. Campus efforts should not just teach about citizenship but should provide stud nts various and meaningful opportunities to practice being good citizens. Courses which focus on democratic values, ethics, and cultural diversity are essential parts of citizenship education. Capstone courses in various academic degree programs should focus on how to connect the elements of the subject area to the exercise of responsible citizenship.
Internships offer valuable clinical experiences and participatory learning opportunity.
Internships, when appropriate, should be structured to provide opportunity for students to practice being good citizens. The test of citizenship is public service. Institutions should explore ways to enhance citizenship through public service. One approach would be to establish an office or to charge an existing office to coordinate public service opportunities for students. The possibilities for public service activities are endless.