2025–2026 Academic Year
Public Action & Awareness: Navigating Civic Engagement
April 23, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Williams Center
A panel featuring Dr. Jeanette McVicker, students Mason Fuller and Alex Bucknam, and Marcia Merrins of the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County explored ways individuals can participate in civic life and engage with public issues.
Civic Education and Engagement: Democratic Backsliding in Global Perspective
April 3, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Williams Center
Dr. Jonathan Chausovsky, Dr. David Kinkela, and student Paige Nosenchuck examined democratic backsliding across different political contexts and considered the role of institutions, civil society, civic knowledge, and sustained engagement in democratic resilience.
Democratic Setbacks and Civic Engagement
March 10, 2026 | 1:00–1:50 p.m. | Williams Center
Dr. Ivani Vassoler, Dr. Robert Dahlgren, and student Nikolay Fontanez explored causes and consequences of democratic decline around the world and the roles of advocacy, activism, and civic education in strengthening democratic institutions.
2024–2025 Academic Year
Fredonia Voting Bus
November 5, 2024 | 2:00–5:00 p.m. | Williams Center Bus Stop
ADP sponsored transportation to help students, faculty, and staff reach the Wheelock Primary School polling location on Election Day, providing campus voters with another option for accessing the polls.
Fall Voter Registration Drives
September 2024 | Various Campus Locations
ADP hosted a series of on-campus voter registration drives throughout September, providing students with opportunities to check their registration, register to vote, ask questions, and prepare for the 2024 General Election.
2023–2024 Academic Year
All Things Voting
April 17, 2024 | Williams Center
A day of programs focused on voting, democracy, political careers, and the news media. Events included a keynote and Q&A with Josh Ranney, a discussion about careers in state government and political campaigns, and a panel examining democracy, news, and state government.
Media Literacy Workshop
March 20, 2024 | Williams Center
Fulbright Scholar Miroslawa Wielopolska-Szymura led a media literacy workshop.
Fall Voter Registration Drives
September 2023 | Various Campus Locations
ADP hosted four voter registration drives across campus during September, giving students opportunities to obtain registration forms, ask questions, and learn how to submit their registration.
2022–2023 Academic Year
Bail Reform in New York State
April 19, 2023 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Williams Center
Dr. Jessica Finkeldey of Fredonia and Professor Alexandra Harrington of the University at Buffalo discussed bail reform in New York State. Mary Croxton of the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County moderated the panel and audience Q&A.
Media Literacy as a Tool for Participating in Our Digital Culture
April 12, 2023 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Williams Center
Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch and Honors student Grace Quinlivan led a workshop introducing the SIFT method and strategies for evaluating information, identifying credible sources, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.
Democracy Under Attack
March 29, 2023 | 2:00–2:50 p.m. | Williams Center
A panel featuring faculty and students examined how democracy is fostered and challenged around the world. Fredonia's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council co-sponsored the program.
Pathways to the Public Affairs Universe
October 25, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. | Williams Center
A panel featuring representatives from the University at Albany and SUNY Buffalo State explored graduate programs, careers, and internships in public affairs. Dr. Jonathan Chausovsky moderated the discussion and shared information about the Washington Internship Program.
Making It on Capitol Hill — My Journey to the Beginning
October 24, 2022 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Williams Center
Fredonia alumna Rachel Skeirik discussed her path from Fredonia to working on Capitol Hill. ADP co-sponsored the program with the Career Development Office and the departments of Communication and Politics & International Affairs.
Fall Voter Registration Drives
September 2022 | Various Campus Locations
ADP partnered with the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County to host a series of on-campus voter registration drives for students.
2021–2022 Academic Year
Group Polarization in Politics
February 25, 2022 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Virtual
Dr. Joshua D. Fetterman of Chestnut Hill College discussed group polarization in politics, including changes over time and psychological factors associated with political polarization.
Voting Rights
November 11, 2021 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Virtual
A faculty panel examined voting rights from historical, criminal justice, and political perspectives, including civil rights movements, the criminal justice system, and contemporary voting laws.
Freedom to Vote: The Time Is Now
November 11, 2021 | 5:00 p.m. | Washington Park, Dunkirk
A community event organized as part of a national effort focused on federal voting legislation featured remarks and opportunities for reflection.
2020–2021 Academic Year
What the Biden Administration's Decisions Mean for YOU — Part 2
April 14, 2021 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Virtual
Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch, Dr. David Rankin, and Dr. David Kinkela discussed early Biden administration decisions through the lenses of communication, politics, and history, with particular attention to leadership and media.
What the Biden Administration's Decisions Mean for YOU — Part 1
March 2, 2021 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Virtual
Dr. Courtney Wigdahl-Perry, Dr. Jessica Finkeldey, and Dr. Gregory Geer examined early Biden administration decisions through the perspectives of environmental science, criminal justice, and education.
2020 Election Programs
September–November 2020 | Virtual and Campus Programs
ADP hosted voter registration drives and a series of virtual discussions surrounding the 2020 presidential and vice-presidential debates. Topics included political communication, the Electoral College, constitutional issues, media, and American democracy.
2019–2020 Academic Year
2020 U.S. Census Bureau: Shape Your Future
February 18, 2020 | Williams Center
Jason Eastman, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, discussed the purpose and significance of the 2020 Census.
Fall Table Topics
October–November 2019 | McEwen Hall
ADP and the Fredonia Democracy Initiative hosted campus table discussions addressing criminal justice reform and the New York State Excelsior Scholarship. Students were invited to learn about the issues and communicate their views to elected representatives.
Life of a Klansman
October 2, 2019 | Williams Center
Visiting professor and author Edward Ball discussed Life of a Klansman, which examines the life of one of his ancestors who joined the Ku Klux Klan in New Orleans after the Civil War. Fredonia's American Democracy Project co-sponsored the program.
2018–2019 Academic Year
Voter Registration Drive
May 1, 2019 | Williams Center
ADP and the Chautauqua County Women's Bar Association hosted a voter registration drive where representatives answered questions and collected voter registration forms.
Environmental Issues Table Topic
April 2019 | McEwen Hall
Students participated in an ADP table activity focused on environmental concerns and wrote postcards to their elected representatives. More than 35 students participated, and the activity received a response from then-Assemblymember Andrew Goodell.