Living Leadership Program
The Living Leadership Program at College of DuPage is a free, non-transcript certificate program. It is designed to empower students. They become active leaders and positive change-makers. The program allows students to start at any time and progress at their own pace to meet the completion requirements.
Civic Engagement
March
Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in SSC 1103:
Advocacy 101 Workshop led by Restore Justice Foundation
This advocacy training will teach you about the legislative process in Illinois. You will get an inside look at how a bill really becomes a law. Additionally, you will develop skills to navigate Springfield and build support for issues that matter to you.
Thursday, March 12 at 2pm to 3 p.m. in SSC 1103:
Student Leadership Council & Student Trustee Candidate Forum
Meet the candidates running in the 2026 Student Leader Elections. They are contesting for the positions of Student Trustee and Officers of the Student Leadership Council.
Tuesday, March 17:
Illinois Primary Election
COD Votes Election Information Center
COD Votes is a student-led and cross-institutional group. It consists of College of DuPage students, staff, faculty, and community members. The group works to increase nonpartisan civic learning and engagement in the democratic process.
Wednesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 19:
The 2026 Student Leader Elections will be held online. This election is for the positions of Student Trustee and Officers of the Student Leadership Council. The election will occur on Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 and 19, via Microsoft Forms. All currently enrolled College of DuPage students are eligible to vote. This includes staff and faculty members who are registered in a credit course. Check your email for the ballot link and voting instructions on March 18.
Friday, March 27:
Applications for the Newman Civic Fellowship are due. The Fellowship is a year-long program. It recognizes and supports student public problem solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. College of DuPage can nominate 1 student annually. The nomination is based on potential for public leadership and work with communities. Encourage students to apply!
More info and application
April
April 8 – April 29 – Library:
Declaration of 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy – Exhibit in partnership with the Leage of Women Voters – Wheaton, hosted in the Library
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton (LWV Wheaton) is proud to sponsor Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy. This is a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration. It encourages reflection on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy.
April 8 – 10 and April 13 & 14:
Unify America’s – Deep Dive
The Deep Dive offers a different kind of practice. Students examine one issue in depth, work through fact sets, and reason through scenarios together to solve challenges. The Deep Dive runs twice daily on April 8-10 and April 13-14. Students choose one topic for an in-depth conversation.
- April 8: Gun Ownership & Gun Violence
- April 9: Free Speech & Hate Speech
- April 10: Social Media & Mental Health
- April 13: Voting & Representation
- April 14: All four topics are offered once that day
Registration will open at this link AFTER the Unify Challenge ends: https://app.unifyamerica.org/landing/unify-challenge/cod
Tuesday, April 21 & Wednesday, April 22 (tentative dates):
Congress to Campus
Congress to Campus is a flagship program of the Former Members of Congress that brings bipartisan teams of former U.S. Representatives and Senators to colleges and universities across the country. The program gives students a unique opportunity to engage directly with those who have served in Congress. It offers candid insights into the inner workings of American democracy. Detailed schedule forthcoming.
Friday, April 24:
Civic Leaders Program – Applications Due
The Civic Leaders Program, formerly known as the Poll Worker Project, will be recruiting students for a third cohort. Previously grant funded, this scholarship program will offer students leadership training. It will also prepare them to be trained as election workers by DuPage county. This will happen in advance of the 2024 midterm election. By becoming civic leaders, students will play a crucial role in ensuring elections are fair. They will also help make elections accessible and transparent. This opportunity is more than just a temporary job. It is also more than just a scholarship. It is an opportunity to be at the forefront of democracy!
Advising Hub 