Menard Family Center for Democracy
The Menard Family Center sponsors and supports a variety of on-campus and community-based lectures, workshops, hands-on experiences and interactive dialogues that promote civic education and engagement while connecting ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans with local, state and national thought leaders.
Directors Welcome
Thank you for visiting ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s Menard Family Center for Democracy. Established in 2019, the Center -- housed jointly in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s College of Arts & Science and its College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science -- supports a broad range of teaching, research and service activities at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú that enhance civic dialogue and engagement, active citizenship, community problem solving and public understanding of democracy, politics and civic affairs.
We invite you to join us in our work! Please contact us at MenardFamilyCenter@ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúOH.edu for more information and to learn how you can get involved.
Our Mission
Rooted in the belief that a healthy democracy requires an informed and engaged citizenry committed to democratic values and practices, the Menard Family Center for Democracy creates and supports direct community-focused programming, engaged teaching and applied research that promotes democratic theory and practice, enhances our understanding of America's civic health and builds the capacity of citizens and communities to collaborate in solving problems across ideological, political and social lines.
Our Student ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and Opportunities
We offer high school and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University undergraduate students a range of opportunities throughout the year, including on-campus and community-based lectures, workshops, hands-on experiences, and interactive dialogues, along with variou number of fellowships and other programs that promote civic education and engagement while connecting students with local, state, and national thought leaders.
Meet Some of Our Accomplished Students
Menard Family Center for Democracy • Political Science • Global and Intercultural Studies • Western • Honors College
Menard Family Center for Democracy • Political Science
French, Italian, and Classical Studies • Political Science • Menard Family Center for Democracy • Economics
Democracy in Action
Through programs like citizenship ceremonies, Democracy and Citizenship Week, and events featuring candidates, debates, and expert panels, the Menard Family Center for Democracy fosters active civic engagement and informed participation. These initiatives provide opportunities for students and the community to connect with politic, law, and other critical fields shaping democratic life.
Faculty Support
The Menard Center provides financial and logistical support to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú faculty interested in developing new civics-focused curriculum, co-curricular programming, and civics-oriented research.
Building Bridges within ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and Beyond
The Center fosters connections across communities and disciplines, promoting civic engagement and collaborative problem-solving. From thought-provoking lectures to immersive simulations and innovative policy initiatives, we create opportunities to inspire dialogue and drive meaningful change.
A student taking part in the Poverty Simulation event, an engaging and thought-provoking "real-life" simulation of the practical challenges faced by formerly incarcerated persons in the community.
News and Outreach at the Menard Family Center
Our Events
Menard Family Center for Democracy
Oxford Campus
321 Harrison Hall349 East High Street
Oxford, Ohio 45056
Hamilton Campus
532A Mosler Hall1601 University Blvd.
Hamilton Campus, 45011