Institution Submitting Proposal:
Utah Valley University
Institutional Contact Person Available to Answer Question:
Dr. Ian Wilson, Academic Vice President
College, School or Division in Which the Program/Administrative Unit Will Be Located:
Academic Affairs
Department(s) or Area(s) in Which Program/Administrative Unit Will Be Located:
N/A
Program/Administrative Unit Title:
Center for Constitutional Studies
Recommended Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: __ __ . __ __ __ __
Certificate, and/or Degree(s) to Be Awarded:
None
Proposed Beginning Date:
September 2011
Institutional Signatures (as appropriate):
Chief Academic Officer President
Date: September 7, 2011
Section I: Request
Utah Valley University is requesting approval to establish a Center for Constitutional Studies.
This Center will focus on the teaching and scholarship of constitutional studies, public policy,
and civic leadership. It will deploy a wide array of high-impact educational and scholarly
activities, and establish a strong foundation for the future impact of UVU in the fields of political
thought, economics, law and leadership. The Center will be a focal point for students, faculty
and the community who wish to gain a greater understanding of constitutionalism and the US
Constitution’s application in contemporary society.
The Center’s initial programmatic activities will comprise:
o
Teaching support for the Constitutional Minor program
o
A visiting scholars program, where post-docs or distinguished guests are invited
to spend a semester teaching a course, working with faculty, and delivering a
public lecture.
o
A dynamic offering of colloquia and workshops in related fields, highlighted by an
annual conference on a topic broadly connected to the aims of the Center.
o
Three to four other invited lectures by distinguished and up-and-coming scholars
o
An annual prize for the best student paper dealing with the US Constitution
o
An annual luncheon for local dignitaries in conjunction with the presentation of an
award (or awards) for civic and international contributions of note in this area
o
Responsibility for hosting and organizing the university’s Constitution Day
activities and events.
o
Modest student scholarships and faculty stipends to promote active student and
faculty participation in the Center and its aims
o Efforts to secure, digitize, and share documents, archives, or papers that directly
relate to the Center’s mission (securing additional funds to support such activity
as needed)
Section II: Need
The Western political tradition is uniquely distinguished by the development of constitutionalism
and the aim of ordered liberty based on ideals of human dignity and equality. It is crucial that
such traditions be taught and preserved so that citizens will be able to better carry out their civic
responsibilities and more effectively govern themselves. The purpose of this endeavor is to
equip a new generation of citizens and leaders with a broad and practical understanding of the
political/economic thought and legal/policy practices critical to the perpetuation of constitutional
liberty and popular government.
The Center for Constitutional Studies will become an academic hub for students through the
development of a Constitutional Studies minor for multiple majors. The Center will contribute to
the intellectual life of Utah Valley University by engaging students, the public, and regionallyand internationally-recognized scholars through a broad array of important conferences,
colloquia, lectures, and workshops.
There is no similar center in the mountain west.
Section III: Institutional Impact
The Center for Constitutional Studies will report to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. There
will not be any negative effect on enrollments. On the contrary, the Center is expected to be a
draw for students and faculty who want to complement their academic studies with a better
appreciation for and understanding of constitutional liberty and government. The Center will be
a resource to the public, local government agencies, high schools, and other parties interested
in learning more about constitutionalism and how the US Constitution impact’s their lives.
The Center will be led by a talented teacher and scholar who will connect the Center’s activities
to the wider university. The director will be selected on the criteria of: 1) ability to advance the
spirit and mission of the Center, 2) exceptional academic training, 3) proven teacher and scholar
in the area of political philosophy, constitutional law, or closely related field, and 4) stellar
leadership ability to promote campus-wide student learning, faculty scholarship, and public
engagement.
A Board of Advisors will be established to provide the director with the insight, advice, and
additional resources needed to ensure that the Center’s overall activities for any given year
remain consistent with founding aims.
Section IV: Finances
What costs or savings are anticipated from this change? If new funds are required, describe in
detail expected sources of funds. Describe any budgetary impact on other programs or units
within the institution.
No institutional funds will be used to establish the Center. The Center will be funded with two
gifts of $500,000 donated to the University by local citizens. One gift will be used to create an
endowment for the Center and the other will be used immediately to hire a director and establish
the Center. These generous donations will enable the University to begin the Center
immediately and sustain its activities for five years. During this period, a robust fund raising
effort will take place to build the endowment and ensure the future stability of the Center.