Beyond Job Creation and Service Learning: Putting the Public Back in Public Affairs Education

In the midst of vigorous debate on the future of higher education, we have an opportunity to restore the focus of the institution, and public affairs education in particular, on the public. This article establishes a role for higher education as one that empowers individuals and communities to pursue the good life for all, integrating across potentially conflicting roles to include development of citizens, generation and dissemination of knowledge, job creation, and skills development. A framework for advancing this mission is encapsulated by the acronym SEE DEMOS: Student Empowered Education/Democratizing Education for Members of Society. A pedagogical case example demonstrates how public affairs education can go beyond job creation and service learning to place the public squarely at the heart of the educational enterprise. In conclusion, questions are suggested for faculty members considering this framework at their institutions.