Vision

 The School of Civic Leadership recognizes that the strength and durability of the American republic depends on the citizens' capacity to govern their own affairs freely. As individuals and citizens, we are responsible for preserving what the U.S. Constitution refers to as "the blessings of liberty." In the School of Civic Leadership, we engage deeply with the Western tradition's great texts and carefully study the founding principles, constitutional history, and economic systems of Texas and the United States. SCL's distinctive blend of classical and professional education cultivates in students the disciplines of character and intellect necessary to assume responsibility in their communities. In the School of Civic Leadership, the study of constitutional self-government is the cornerstone of a broader liberal education—that is, and education that prepares one to live freely. Through a rich encounter with "the best that has been thought and said," graduates are equipped to think, to write, and to speak well.

Principles

The School of Civic Leadership fosters the aptitudes that enable students to contribute to the University's intellectual life. The school also challenges students to develop the virtues of courage, justice, moderation, and wisdom as the hallmarks of their study.

• Courage is the virtue that enables us to persevere through adversity in pursuit of a worthy aim.
• Justice is the virtue that enables us to take responsibility and give to each person his due. 
• Moderation is the virtue that enables us to lead our lives with self-discipline.  
• Wisdom is the virtue that enables us to deliberate about what to do based on knowledge of what is true.

The University's truth-seeking mission finds its safeguard in the free exchange of ideas. Accordingly, the School of Civic Leadership is committed to open inquiry, reasoned debate, civil discussion, and freedom of thought and speech.

History

In 2023, the UT System Board of Regents established the School of Civic Leadership to “engage in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of research, teaching, training and equipping students in the knowledge and aptitudes necessary to lead in a free society.”  The School of Civic Leadership carries on the mission of Texas public higher education first articulated in 1839 by Texas President Mirabeau Lamar.  He called upon the Texas Congress to establish a public institution of higher education with the observation that the “cultivated mind is the guardian genius of Democracy, and while guided and controlled by virtue, the noblest attribute of man.”  The UT Austin motto – disciplina praesidium civitatis – is a loose Latin rendering of Lamar’s famous quotation. When Professor William Battle proposed the Latin motto for the UT Seal in 1903, he said that it was “at once a justification of the university’s existence and an ideal of its future.” The School of Civic Leadership advances this tradition of civic education at UT Austin.

Student Services

The Office of the Dean of the School of Civic Leadership provides student services such as maintenance of student records, academic advising, and official evaluations of the student’s academic standing and progress toward a degree. Students should contact the office whenever they have questions about degree requirements, academic standing, general University regulations, or registration. The office can provide students with general information and referrals for questions students encounter.

The School of Civic Leadership offers a scholarship program.  Learn more about the program and how to apply at https://civicleadership.utexas.edu/.

In addition, students may contact Texas One Stop for scholarship information.

Academic Advising

Under the direction of the Dean’s Office in the School of Civic Leadership, the Academic Programs Office provides academic advising to students. Students should consult their degree audit regularly; see Degree Audit in the Graduation section.

Career Services

The Office of the Dean provides career development resources for students and alumni. All Civics Honors majors complete an internship and a research thesis as part of the degree program.

As a complement to the assistance available through the SCL, the University’s Sanger Learning Center and Vick Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling provide career services to all students. The centers offer professional assistance to students in choosing or changing their majors or careers, and planning for graduate study.

The University makes no promise to secure employment for each graduate.