Frequently Asked Questions

Effective for the Fall 2021 catalog term, a Civics Literacy graduation requirement has been implemented by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for all incoming Purdue West Lafayette freshman and undergraduate transfer students.

The Civics Literacy requirement was created with the goal of adding to the education of Purdue students in an effort to graduate a more informed citizenry.

Civics Literacy

A Bachelorette degree requirement implemented by the Purdue Board of Trustees for all Purdue West Lafayette students who enter Purdue on or after the fall 2021 catalog term, including transfer students. Purdue is the first university to implement a Civics Literacy Requirement and have it on record.

Learning Objectives

The Civics Literacy proficiency activities will:

  • Increase your understanding of important contemporary political issues.
  • Identify opportunities to grow your engagement in American politics.
  • Expand your awareness of and options for civic participation.

The Civics Literacy Graduation requirement applies to all Purdue West Lafayette students who enter Purdue on or after the fall 2021 catalog term, including transfer students. Students enrolled prior to the fall 2021 catalog term do not have to complete the requirement, but may choose to do so on a voluntary basis.

The Civics Literacy program was created with the goal of adding to the educational experience of Purdue students in an effort to graduate a more informed citizenry.

The desired learning outcomes include:

  • Increasing student understanding of important contemporary political issues.
  • Identifying opportunities to grow one’s engagement in American politics.
  • Raising student awareness of, and options for, civic participation.
The intent is for all incoming undergraduate students, including transfer student, from catalog term 2021 forward, to complete this requirement at some point during their time at Purdue. Therefore, it will be required to graduate.
There are no exceptions identified at this time.
Once the required test and one of the three options have been completed, a designation of “Civics Literacy Proficiency” will be placed on a student’s transcript in the semester in which activities were completed.  If you believe you completed the requirements and, at the end of the semester, this notation does not occur, please email: civicsliteracy@purdue.edu
Students can monitor their completion of the graduation requirement in myPurduePlan.  Students may also monitor completion in the myPurdue Student Civics Literacy Dashboard.
Yes, students may retake the test as many times as needed to achieve successful completion. However, after a third failed attempt, you will be required to reach out to civicsliteracy@purdue.edu to request that the exam be reopened for further attempts. A study guide for the exam is available.
Please contact: civicsliteracy@purdue.edu
Please contact Connie Doebele at cdoebele@purdue.edu.
Register your event in Boilerlinks and ask for it to be reviewed for Civics Literacy.  A review team will approve or deny your request.
A Civics Literacy Resource Guide is available here.