Concordia College’s Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work will host a conversation event, “American College Student Freedom, Progress, and Flourishing,” from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. The event will be held both virtually and in-person at Barry Auditorium in the Grant Center on campus.
Dr. John Bitzan of North Dakota State University’s Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth will present on the “2023 American College Student Freedom, Progress, and Flourishing Survey.” The survey explores student perceptions about viewpoint diversity and campus freedom, human progress and future outlooks, as well as attitudes toward entrepreneurship, capitalism, socialism, and the influence of college on these views.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 65% of students favor reporting professors for stating opinions or facts on affirmative action, police shootings, guns, sex/gender, or vaccines.
- Less than 50% of students believe the world has improved over the last 50 years.
- Among students who believe the U.S. has declined, 53% attribute this to a lack of government programs.
- Less than a quarter of students have a favorable view of capitalism.
- More students have a favorable view of socialism than an unfavorable view.
Dr. Michael Chan, Concordia’s vice president for mission and inclusion, will host the event as part of the Lorentzsen Center’s ongoing conversation series asking “How do we build a more trustworthy world?”
“The discussion promises to be an enlightening exploration of the future of higher education and the evolving perspectives of college students,” Chan said.
The event is free and open to the public. People who are interested can register and learn more at www.LorentzsenCenter.com.
About Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work
The Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work is dedicated to exploring the intersection of faith and work and fostering discussions on building a more trustworthy world. Through keynote events, the “Builders” podcast, and a hybrid book club, the center aims to create a space for thoughtful conversations and insights.
Free parking is available behind the Grant Center (No. 36 on the map) in the G6 lot. Campus Map | Concordia College
