American Democracy Project
Dr. Shari Bax
Vice President, Student Experience and Engagement
Administration Building, Room 214
Tel: (660)543-4618
Breadcrumb
American Democracy Project
The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a network of more than 250 state colleges and universities focused on public higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy.
ADP was established in 2003 as a nonpartisan initiative of the American Association of State Colleges Universities (AASCU); the University of Central Missouri joined the following year.
The project grows out of a concern about decreasing rates of participation in the civic life of America in voting, in advocacy, in local grassroots associations, and in other forms of civic engagement that are necessary for the vitality of our democracy.
Focusing on the development of informed graduates who are committed to lives of engagement as citizens in our democracy, the American Democracy Project rests on a core belief: that civic engagement is critical for the preservation and vitality of American democracy.
Engaged Learning for an Engaged Citizenry
At UCM, the American Democracy Project's purpose is to create opportunities for students to participate in an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement. ADP sponsors and co-sponsors a variety of programs and events each year which provide campus community members the opportunity to learn about, discuss, and engage in contemporary socio-political issues, voter mobilization, and community service.
ADP programs and activities are organized by the Campus Coordinator and Student Coordinator under the guidance and recommendations of a Steering Committee, with faculty and student representatives from each of the academic colleges.
ADP Sponsored Events
On September 17, 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia held their final meeting, and signed the Constitution of the United States of America. Each year, the University of Central Missouri commemorates this defining moment in American history with a series of events and activities.
| Constitution Week 2026 - September 14-18 | ||||
| Monday, September 14th | 2:30 - 4:30 PM | Constitutional Trivia | Union Mall | Come and join us on the mall for constitutional trivia, where you and your friends can answer a few questions about our nation's constitution and win prizes! |
| Tuesday, September 15th | 4:00 PM | Trust Me (A Feature Film) | JCK LIBRARY Read & Relax area | Join us to watch "Trust Me" a feature-length documentary which explores media bias and the need for media literacy. We will also engage in a discussion with a local member of the press. |
| Wednesday, September 16th | 6:00 PM | National Treasure | Union Cinema | Watch and enjoy a one-night showing of National Treasure in the Union Cinema. The first 50 people attending will get a soda, candy, and popcorn on us! |
| Thursday, September 17th | 2:30 - 4:30 PM | Constitution's Birthday Party | Union Atrium | Join us for the festivities and have a slice of cake in celebration of the 239th birthday of the US Constitution. |
| Friday, September 18th | 11 AM - 1:00 PM | Voter Registration | Union Mall | Find us on the mall and get registered to vote! We can help you with local voter registration or even absentee ballots if needed. |
Each year in February the American Democracy Project hosts a speaker as part of Unity Week.
Each month ADP sponsors an event or activity focused on a contemporary issue. The topic changes monthly.
Apply for a Grant
Each year, ADP co-sponsors a variety of programs and activities through the awarding of grants to interested faculty, staff, and students. Grants are awarded in the fall.
Steering Committee
The Campus Coordinator and Student Coordinator work with the Steering Committee to plan, organize, and evaluate the programs and activities that ADP sponsors each year. The committee includes faculty and student representatives from each college.
If you're interested in becoming an ADP steering committee member, reach out to adp@ucmo.edu. Please include whether you are a faculty or student, and your academic college.
