Chapter 8: Is Civic Practice a Pathway to a Flourishing University?

Much of this volume evaluates the claims of positive psychology and its efficacy for current college and university campuses. There is much to weigh in exploring positive psychology as an approach to student learning and well- being. It highlights the concept of “flourishing” as a means and end for student success and happiness. The assessment of that research I leave to these insightful and provocative chapters. Rather than take up these issues, I will focus on positive psychology at an organizational level and what we would consider a “flourishing” university. More specifically what would define a “flourishing” university in the current educational, political and cultural moment? Is a flourishing institution, like a flourishing individual, more likely to benefit from active social and civic engagement in establishing positive well -being?