Civic Engagement and Leadership
The Chancellor’s Civic Leadership Medallion program was created to highlight and promote student accomplishments related to inspired and effective civic engagement and leadership.
“Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make a difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes."
Thomas Ehrlich, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Eligibility Criteria
Students can earn the Chancellor's Civic Leadership Medallion by demonstrating how they have worked to make a difference in the community, as well as how they have developed the necessary skills to do so effectively.
All full and part-time students are eligible to apply. A complete application must be submitted to be considered for the award. Applications should include documentation for the eligible civic leadership activities that took place during the 2024–2025 academic year, as well as a description of the student’s specific role in the activity. Students must also attach an essay reflecting on their year of civic engagement and how this will motivate them in the future. Activities may be in person or virtual.
Areas of Focus for Medallion Consideration
Students may qualify for the Medallion by participating in three areas of focus:
- Learning based on actual experience and observation
- Volunteerism
- Civic leadership
Achieving at least 100% in any category (or a combination of the three) will make you eligible for the Medallion. Each category has examples of civic engagement activities and the percentage that each activity will earn you. Percentages may vary depending on the type of activity, time commitment and leadership demonstrated. For example, volunteering to staff a voter registration table will earn you a certain percentage for each hour served, but organizing a voter registration event will earn you a higher percentage.
Please be aware: You will be deemed ineligible for the award if you are found to have engaged in any unethical or illegal activities in the course of your academic or community activities, or if you are convicted of a felony offense during the duration of your point accrual period. Activities will not be considered for points, and you will be considered ineligible for the award, if you are found to have engaged in discriminatory behavior or harassment of others based on an individual or group’s age, race, national origin, religious or political beliefs, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, physical disability or other protected class defined by the Maricopa Community Colleges non-discrimination policy.
Application Process and Deadline
Fill out the Medallion Application as completely as possible, submit documentation for each of the activities you listed in the order they appear on your application, print it out, and sign it.
Mail or deliver the application and documentation to the following address, or have your Student Life Office send it to us via intercampus mail:
MCCCD Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy
2411 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Completed applications may also be scanned and emailed to ceid@domail.maricopa.edu.
Application Checklist
- Submit verification of a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Attach a letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member who is familiar with your civic work.
- Submit a well-written essay reflecting on your year of civic engagement and how this will motivate you in the future. Poorly written or perfunctory essays will not meet minimum requirements for the Medallion.
- Provide documentation of each activity (sample agenda, meeting flyer, photos from the event, etc.) including an explanation of your specific role in the activity.
- Complete and sign the application.
Deadlines
Completed application, including any supporting documentation, must be submitted by Friday, April 18, 2025.