ֱ has been named a for 2025-2026 by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. This designation acknowledges JCU’s outstanding efforts in encouraging students to register, vote, and actively participate in the democratic process. JCU joins 272 institutions across 39 states and the District of Columbia in this distinguished group.
Led by Heather Craigie, Associate Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action (CSSA), and Mary Ann Hanicak, Manager of Student Life Programs, along with dedicated student Democracy Fellows—Joseph Bilas '27, Savanna Kerr '27, and Paul Oliveira '27—JCU implemented strategic initiatives focused on voter registration, education, and turnout during the 2024 election cycle.
“We’re proud of how our campus community has embraced civic responsibility and empowered students to take an active role in democracy,” said Craigie. “This recognition highlights the critical role our Democracy Fellows play and motivates us to continue fostering civic engagement among students.”
Democracy Fellows Break Down Barriers to Voting
JCU’s student Democracy Fellows serve in paid positions supported by the Campus Vote Project, an initiative of the Fair Elections Center. Their roles involve coordinating nonpartisan, campus-wide events such as debate watch parties, voter education sessions, and meaningful discussions on contemporary political issues, significantly boosting student engagement and awareness of the importance of voting and civic participation.
Recently, the Democracy Fellows launched targeted initiatives by visiting freshman academic success classes to educate new students on ballot tracking, voter registration, locating polling stations, and understanding local ballot issues.
“We do a lot of voter registration, and help students vote in the states they’re from while they’re here at JCU,” said Kerr. “We also target freshmen to make sure they’re registered to vote because we want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and represented.”
A significant aspect of the Fellows’ strategy involved leveraging insights from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), identifying areas where voter participation was lower.
“We realized there was lower voter turnout among Asian students and STEM majors on JCU’s campus,” said Oliveira. “In response, we did tabling in JCU’s Dolan Center for Science & Technology, to get students registered to vote. We also worked with Melissa Cole, the Dean of the College of Health, to encourage voter engagement among STEM students.”
The Democracy Fellows also emphasized personal interaction, regularly checking in with students about their voting plans. “Asking students about their voting plan statistically increases their likelihood to vote,” Oliveira shared.
Campus-Wide Support and Future Plans
To facilitate student participation in the democratic process, JCU cancelled classes on Election Day, a measure particularly beneficial for commuter and out-of-state students. Election Day became a community celebration of democracy featuring special programming, educational sessions, and even election day cake in the dining hall.
“JCU’s administration has been eager to work with us, and they have been very supportive in making voting more accessible to students,” said Bilas.
This supportive environment aligns deeply with the University’s Jesuit values, which emphasize service and solidarity with those in need. According to Hanicak, these attitudes are reflected in the actions of students across campus.
“It's been my experience that JCU students are incredibly involved in and dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters who are on the margins of our society,” said Hanicak. “The source of this is a combination of care for those who are oppressed, poor, and marginalized and the deep desire to serve.”
Looking forward, the Democracy Fellows plan to further expand their outreach and initiatives.
“It’s important for new prospective students to see that our community cares and ֱ is dedicated to making our campus open to any mindset and voice—everyone is heard here,” said Kerr.
“It doesn’t matter how they vote, it matters that they do,” Bilas concluded. “Our tabling events and debates bring our campus together.”
