Press release/provided photo
Genesee Community College Criminal Justice Professor Karen Wicka has been selected to serve as a 2026-2027 fellow in the SUNY Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellows Program.
Wicka was selected following an extensive, multi-round review process that included nearly 200 applications from across the SUNY system. Twelve faculty members were ultimately selected for the program’s third year.
The SUNY Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellows Program supports the SUNY General Education Framework and other curricular and co-curricular initiatives related to civic education. As a fellow, Wicka will develop an individual project, assist SUNY faculty and staff with the Fall 2026 implementation of the new Civic Discourse core competency within the SUNY General Education Framework, and provide consultations to SUNY campuses.
“I am honored to have been selected for the SUNY Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellows Program,” said Wicka. “I look forward to working with colleagues across SUNY to support meaningful opportunities for students to engage in civil discourse and develop the skills they need to participate as informed and engaged members of their communities.”
Wicka has served as a professor of Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College, where she brings her expertise in criminal justice and civic engagement into the classroom and works with students to explore issues affecting communities and society.
The SUNY General Education Framework establishes common learning outcomes for undergraduate students across the State University of New York system. The new Civic Discourse core competency emphasizes students’ ability to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with diverse perspectives and participate in civic life.