A Look at the Civic Engagement Roundtable
December 8, 2025
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students are finding their voice in public policy through the Civic Engagement Roundtable (CER), a dynamic, student-led organization housed within the Baker School that’s redefining what it means to get involved in civic life.
Turning Ideas Into Action
CER aims to give students a platform to explore their policy interests and transform ideas into action. “We want to lower the barrier to entry as much as possible,” said Alex Durkee. “That means connecting students with expert faculty, helping them develop meaningful projects, and encouraging them to dive into the world of policy and civic engagement.”
What sets CER apart is its interdisciplinary nature. Students from every major are welcome to join because each field of study interacts with the public sector in a unique way. Membership is open to all who are ready to take part in a project, and prospective members are nominated by current members and accepted by a quick vote.
How Projects Come to Life
When it comes to projects, each committee is required to pitch one at the beginning of the semester, which must then pass by vote before moving forward. While committees can take on collaborative initiatives, most projects are led by individuals who bring their own passions to the roundtable. The executive board, unlike most student organizations, exists to support these project leaders by helping them set realistic goals and determine the scope of their work, whether it involves one student or several.
In the past, students have transformed personal interests into impactful policy projects. For instance, the head of the education committee, who comes from a family of educators, turned that background into a focused research initiative with the support of CER leadership. For group projects, committee heads delegate responsibilities such as research or outreach, and most committees finalize their projects after an editing process, at the point where their product is publishable.
Exploring a Range of Policy Topics
The discussions span an impressive range of topics including but not limited to sustainability, zoning, STEM, mental health, artificial intelligence and education. Each session invites participants to approach issues with a data-driven mindset, tackling university, local, and state-level challenges with creativity and collaboration.
Building Skills and Community
Benefits of joining CER extend beyond the classroom. Members develop valuable research and leadership skills, build their resumes, and gain experience that can set them apart professionally. The roundtable wants students to walk away with both confidence and community, whether they’re learning to lead, writing a policy brief, or simply sharing dinner with new friends.
CER meets monthly, with smaller committee meetings scheduled as needed. Early-semester gatherings are project-focused, including pitching ideas, forming teams, and mapping out goals. Meanwhile, later sessions lean more conversational, offering students space to connect and share insights.
True to its mission, CER remains nonpartisan and inclusive, inviting students of all viewpoints to engage in respectful, data-informed dialogue. “We believe that civic engagement isn’t about partisanship. It’s about people coming together to solve real problems,” organizers emphasize.
Current Committees and Projects
Currently, CER’s three active committees are delving into major areas of public interest: education, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. The education and sustainability committees are developing policy briefs and publishing articles, while the AI Committee is building an innovative AI helpdesk for civic education. In partnership with Baker School faculty, CER members are also creating pocket Constitutions to promote civic knowledge across Tennessee.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, CER hopes to expand its membership and project portfolio, deepening its collaboration with the Institute of American Civics. One exciting idea in development: a Baker School Book Exchange, modeled after a free library, to encourage knowledge-sharing across campus.
Students, faculty, and staff interested in joining the conversation can reach out via email at roundtable@utk.edu or follow @roundtableutk on Instagram for updates.
At its core, the Civic Engagement Roundtable is more than a club. It’s a launchpad for future leaders, helping students turn passion into purpose and preparing them to shape the policies and communities of tomorrow.