As the United States gears up for the 2024 general election, the University of Miami College of Arts & Sciences is advancing civic discourse and educating the next generation about the democratic system. Through events, classes, and initiatives, the college is helping students to become informed voters.
Learn more about how you can prepare to cast your ballot on November 5, 2024 with the College of Arts & Sciences below.
The George P. Hanley Democracy Center in the College of Arts & Sciences opened in March 2023 to foster a deeper understanding of democratic governance within the United States and around the world. Through research grants, conferences, and public events, the Hanley Center engages students, faculty, and the wider community.
“Many students sense that democracy is challenged at home and around the world,” said Gregory Koger, the center’s director and a professor of political science. “They want to understand why that’s happening and try to recommit America and the world back to free and open government. To do that, we need to encourage people from all backgrounds to listen to each other and promote active engagement with the electoral and governing process.”
The Hanley Center has hosted discussions with prominent political figures, including former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who served on the bipartisan committee to investigate the 2021 United States Capitol attack. In the fall, the Hanley Center looks forward to co-hosting a public event with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. You can find more information about upcoming events on the Hanley Center’s website.
As part of its efforts to promote civil discourse and help students find common ground, the Hanley Center collaborates with Civic Synergy, a national student engagement program. Students in the program meet for a series of discussions on hot-button issues like climate change and public safety, and they work together to propose policy solutions.
“People often shy away from conversing with those who hold different views and values, but this is a space where we can openly discuss our beliefs and work towards improving our community. It feels more like a conversation rather than an argument. You get to hear the diverse perspectives of people from all different political backgrounds.”
- Melissa Talerand, a junior political science, international studies, and sociology major who served as an intern at the Hanley Center and as a team coordinator for Civic Synergy during the Spring 2024 semester.
Every two years, the Department of Political Science offers a course on elections during the fall semester. In addition to academic lectures, the class features prominent guest speakers including candidates, political consultants, pollsters, and journalists.
“It’s a large course with no prerequisites co-listed with a number of departments to try to encourage anybody on campus who is interested in the election and the events surrounding it to come out and learn a bit about it from the perspective of political science.”
– Casey Klofstad, the chair of the Department of Political Science, who co-teaches the course with Joseph Uscinski, a professor of political science.
Students can find more information about political science classes on the department’s website, along with a list of political science faculty and their areas of expertise.
© 2026 University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences
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