SCiLL to become independent academic unit

UNC-Chapel Hill announced Wednesday that the UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership will become the University’s 15th independent academic unit in August.

“Creating a dedicated academic home for SCiLL strengthens our ability to integrate civic learning into the broader educational experience,” said Magnus Egerstedt, executive vice chancellor and provost. “It enables innovation in teaching and research while reinforcing our mission to prepare students to contribute constructively to society.”

Originally established within the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, SCiLL has recruited more than 20 faculty members and expanded its academic offerings and campus programming over the past two years. The school’s growth reflects increasing student demand for civic education rooted in free inquiry and civil discourse.

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said the transition to independent school status will support the school’s continued development and broaden its reach across the University.

“This is an important step in strengthening Carolina’s commitment to preparing students for thoughtful engagement in civic life,” Roberts said. “By establishing SCiLL as an independent unit, we are ensuring it has the focus and support needed to continue expanding its impact.”

This year, nearly 1,000 students enrolled in SCiLL courses, while the number of students declaring a SCiLL minor increased by more than 90% in a single semester. SCiLL has also expanded programming beyond campus, including a civil discourse residential community, a summer civics institute for high school educators and students, and a growing public fellows program. One of its signature courses is now taught at 35 institutions nationwide.

“I’ve had the unique privilege of seeing programs within SCiLL that emphasize intellectual rigor and respectful dialogue,” said Student Body President Devin Duncan.

SCiLL student Nadège Sirot said inaugural SCiLL Dean and Director Jed Atkins has helped foster an environment that encourages students to engage in discussion and debate across differing viewpoints.

“He has cultivated an environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, engage in meaningful disagreement and critically examine their beliefs,” Sirot said.

Former UNC System President Erskine Bowles ’68 said the school’s mission aligns closely with the University’s broader civic responsibilities.

“I’ve spent much of my life working with people I disagree with to get things done, and I know how important that skill is,” Bowles said. “The UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership has the opportunity to help prepare students to think critically, exercise judgment and work across differences in service to their communities, the state and the nation.”

The school has also drawn attention from scholars and higher education leaders focused on civic education and democratic citizenship.

Ruth Wisse of Harvard University said SCiLL offers hopeful news in the current state of higher education and that the school “has proven its intellectual independence and its impressive faculty, under the leadership of Jed Atkins, will help to educate a strong new generation of citizens and young scholars.”

SCiLL was launched within the College of Arts and Sciences to benefit from existing administrative structures.

“The College was tasked with launching SCiLL in 2023, and we did so quickly,” College of Arts and Sciences Dean Jim White said. “This transition reflects its growth into an independent unit, and the Dean’s Office will work over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.”

Atkins said the move will allow the school to expand partnerships and opportunities for students across the University.

“SCiLL has built a strong foundation in faculty, courses, programs and partnerships,” Atkins said. “Independence allows us to broaden our impact and equip more students with the habits of civil discourse, sound judgment and civic leadership.”