About the Center for Civic Education & Justice 

The Center for Civic Education & Justice (CCEJ) is your campus hub for turning passion into real-world action. We do not just talk about social action; we give you the tools, the space, and the community to make it happen. Grounded in the Student Affairs mission to build a community that fosters belonging, imagines possibilities, enhances learning, and makes a societal impact, CCEJ is designed for students who want to look beyond the classroom, challenge the status quo, and tackle the systemic issues facing our local and global communities. Whether you are looking to advocate for social justice, volunteer with local community projects, or navigate complex political conversations, we are here to help you find your voice and your lane. 

The Center for Civic Education & Justice (CCEJ) was established as a new unit on July 1, 2026, through the merger of Diversity & Social Justice Education (DSJE) and the Office of Civic Life (OCL). By bringing together the strengths of DSJE and OCL under one organizational structure, we are creating new opportunities to deepen student learning, strengthen community partnerships, and provide a more integrated approach to civic engagement, social justice education, and democratic participation.

For years, both DSJE and OCL have made significant contributions to the Illinois experience. By weaving together, the pedagogical depth of social justice education with the hands-on, community-minded spirit of civic engagement, CCEJ serves as a model for collaborative innovation. Through this unified approach, students will have expanded opportunities to engage in dialogue across differences, develop leadership skills, strengthen civic responsibility, and become active contributors to positive social change both on campus and beyond.

The establishment of CCEJ is more than a structural change, it is a strategic investment in our students and a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to educational excellence, civic responsibility, equity, and community impact.