About IPCE
Welcome to IPCE
Read a welcome message from the Associate Director.
Mission
The Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) focuses on transforming democracy by creating a more fully engaged citizenry with more effective leaders. As a catalyst for learning and action, the Institute creates opportunities for scholars, concerned citizens, students, and government officials to actively participate in social discourse, research, and educational programs on policy issues and social trends.
What is Civic Engagement?
What do we mean by civic engagement? One definition of civic engagement is: “any citizen action that affects legitimately public matters”.* We use this broad definition to guide our activities which focus on using a blended learning environment that includes both in-person and online resources to following activities to enhance civic engagement:
- Public Forums and informational Resources
- Training and information for policymakers and civic, institutional, and community leaders
- Research and action partnerships that contributes to the field of knowledge on civic engagement, and whenever possible adds value to local, regional, and national civic engagement efforts
Our Core Values
The Institute is committed to the following core values:
Our forums, programs, and informational resources are non-partisan, non-biased, and balanced.
- Public discussions and educational programming rest upon on a foundation of sound basic and applied research
- Educational and training programming is based on lessons and best practices drawn from research and practice.
- Institute research is driven by questions raised in the public and educational programs hosted by the Institute, resulting in research outcomes that directly address the policy issues of current importance and relevance.
Staff
Joseph Hoereth, PhD
Director
312.355.0096
jhoereth@uic.edu
Council of Friends
The Institute is a part of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at UIC, under the direction of the Vice Chancellor. IPCE staff manages the Institute's daily activities and affairs. IPCE is advised by a Council of Friends that includes:
- Warren Chapman – Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago.
- Dwight McBride – Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago.
- Michael Pagano – Dean, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago.
- David C. Perry – Director, Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago.
- Robert F. Rich – Director, Institute for Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago.
- Richard Schoell – Executive Director for Government Relations, President's Office, University of Illinois at Chicago.