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Constitution Day

Project Summary
Each educational institution in the United States that receives federal funding must observe Constitution Day, September 17th (or the week before or the week after when the 17th falls on a weekend).

In AASCU's American Democracy Project (ADP), many campuses have transformed that little-known federal mandate into an opportunity to reflect on our government, our liberties, and our obligations as citizens in this democracy. It also creates a wonderful opportunity to launch the academic year with a set of inspiring activities.

The following is a list of ideas, online resources, and publications that might be useful for campuses celebrating Constitution Day. Some campuses host one-day events; others plan weeklong activities. Below you will find a rich repository of materials that could be useful to develop a successful set of activities to mark the observance of Constitution Day on your campus.



American Democracy Project campus examples
Appalachian State University
Panelists will speak about “The Constitution: Then and Now.”

Augusta State University

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Daylong event with speakers, panelists, novelists, and music

Brooklyn College
Viewing exhibits that include replicas of the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and other historic documents.

California State University, Sacramento
“Constitution week offers students, faculty and staff a variety of programs engaging civic and social issues to showcase the U.S. Constitution as a living document,” says Brendan McVeigh, of the Community Engagement Center, one of several organizers of the event.

Connecticut State University
The Roberts Court and the Future of the Constitution

Fayetteville State University
A presentation by Congressman Bob Etheridge

Fort Hays State University
Videos, freedom walk, voter registration and education drive

George Mason University
Dialogues on Democracy Series

Georgia College & State University
A series of events and speakers during Constitution Week

Henderson State University
a presentation by Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Blake Batson.

Indiana University Northwest
Political Science classes opened to the public

Indiana University South Bend
Week of festivities

Lander University
Weeklong activities

Michigan Technological University
Information Wall program "Celebrate Constitution Day."

Morehead State University
Septemberfest, month of festivities

New Jersey City University
A panel discussion sponsored by the NJCU Department of Political Science

North Georgia College and State University
Essay contest, "Should the Bill of Rights Apply to Illegal Immigrants?"

Richard Stockton College (pdf)
Keynote Presentation: Religion and the Constitution: “The Supreme Court Prefers the First Commandment over the First Amendment and Shreds Our Liberties”, Professor Burton Caine, Temple University School of Law.

Sam Houston State University
Daylong event with history speakers, luncheon.

Shepherd University
Third Annual Tom E. Moses Memorial Lecture on the U.S. Constitution, "Human Rights in the Struggle Against International Terrorism,"Anthony R. Williams, Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies.

Shippensburg University
Events include a reading of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, a panel discussion on constitutional rights.

State University of New York at Oswego
"Rock the Preamble," a mass reading of the Preamble to the Constitution led by college President Deborah F. Stanley

Tarleton State University
A special panel focusing on the issue of a “colorblind” Constitution.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
'The Shaping of the American Nation"

University of Arkansas at Monticello
Debate: "The U.S. Constitution should be overhauled.”

University of Northern Iowa
How can UNI contribute to the development of responsible citizens? Panel discussion.

University of South Dakota
“A More Perfect Union: America Becomes A Nation”

University of Southern Indiana
Evansville attorney Cole Banks, "The Constitution in Times of Political Turmoil and War"

University of Tennessee at Martin
Award-winning author and Constitutional scholar Roger K. Newman will speak on “Surveillance, Terrorism and the Constitution”

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Campus displays, a film, a trivia contest, lectures and discussions will focus campus and community attention on the U.S. Constitution.

University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Day of observance with voter registry, refreshments, and pocket constitutions

University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Week of events. Forums, videos, library display, etc.

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Presentation on the constitution

Western Washington University
Podcasts