| This study examines the ways in which institutional culture of a university influences students' civic development and understandings of citizenship at two regional, comprehensive institutions with different commitments to civic engagement. Using interviews, observation, and document review, this study combined case study and grounded theory methodology to understand how institutional policy, practice, and culture contributes to students' civic development.;Results of the study indicate that the degree of institutionalization of civic engagement influences the campus culture and in turn, the student experience. With a pervasive institutional culture for civic engagement, Portland State University (PSU) has a broad array of strategies to foster civic engagement through the curriculum of the general education requirements and campus wide learning outcomes. George Mason University (GMU) focuses more narrowly on civic engagement activities through a center dedicated to leadership and community engagement with a limited reach. The pervasive institutional culture for civic engagement at PSU affords some advantages for civic development as it legitimizes the work, promotes civic development through a variety of channels, and is mandatory for students. Institutionalizing civic engagement into the culture of a university influences student experiences, learning, and the ways in which students discuss their roles as citizens. At GMU, students described citizenship in ways that reflect individuality and a passive conception of citizenship. PSU students, in comparison, conceived of citizenship as more participatory and communal, reflecting the institutional values and commitment to civic engagement. The observed differences between participants at PSU and GMU reflect, at least in part, the opportunities available for civic education at the two institutions and demonstrate the influence of institutional culture on students' understandings of citizenship.;These findings extend previous research by considering how the institutional culture shapes students' civic development through their values, motivations, behaviors, and understandings of citizenship. Study results provide direction for theory, and institutional practice and policy related to the institutionalization of civic engagement. |
