Among the College's basic principles is a fundamental belief in the link between liberal education and democracy, and Bard is firmly committed to promoting and sustaining projects that engage its students, faculty, and administrators with some of the most important issues facing society. Through the support of the Dean of Student Affairs Office and the Center for Civic Engagement, students attending the Citizen Science program can participate in projects throughout the January term which promote such critical civic skills as active listening, collaboration, leadership, creative problem solving, ethical decision making, and information literacy.