University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina has joined 60 college presidents representing more than 450,000 students — including those from the Ivy League, historically Black institutions, other faith-based schools, public research universities and more — in an effort to prepare graduates as engaged citizens.

The College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, supported by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, will leverage the work of individual institutions to make a collective impact.

The University of Dayton will share its experience with initiatives such as the Dialogue Zone, which creates space for multiple perspectives, cultivates listening skills and promotes critical understanding by reimagining challenging conversations as opportunities for learning and reflection that contribute to the common good. The University also will integrate resources from programs such as the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and the Center for Social Concern, as well as Catholic social teaching as a way to encourage students to engage in the community.

The coalition’s work to emphasize the importance of preparing engaged citizens comes at a time when higher education faces the challenge of declining confidence from the American public, Spina said.

“This is a critical role for higher education that is more important than ever in today’s highly polarized environment,” Spina said.