CSUSM Named One of Best Colleges for Student Voting
Cal State San Marcos has been named to Washington Monthly’s 2018 list of America’s Best Colleges For Student Voting. A part of The College Guide and Rankings – which rates colleges and universities on their contributions to social mobility, research and public service – this is a first-of-its-kind list of the schools doing the most to turn students into citizens.
CSUSM’s inclusion on the list demonstrates the commitment that the University has made to promote civic engagement among the student body, encouraging students to vote and actively participate in community decisions.
CSUSM was one of only 132 two- and four-year colleges to make the list. It was also among just 16 from California and three in the California State University system (the others are Cal State Northridge and Cal State San Bernardino).
According to Washington Monthly, “Since voting habits tend to crystallize in young adulthood — vote in one election, and you’re far more likely to do so again — colleges and universities have an unparalleled opportunity to create voters not just for the next election, but for life. The colleges that invest in student voting aren’t just helping their Washington Monthly rankings —they’re helping the country.”
Ensuring that the nation’s young people – its future leaders – are inspired to engage civically is key to strengthening democracy. On many college and university campuses, less than half of eligible student voters exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot in presidential elections.
To do its part in improving youth civic engagement, CSUSM participates in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which offers colleges and universities an opportunity to learn their student registration and voting rates.
CSUSM also participates in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national, nonpartisan awards program recognizing colleges and universities for improving civic learning, political engagement and student voting rates. As a part of this initiative, students, faculty and staff have worked together to develop and implement an action plan to improve practice and change culture. Through its efforts, the University has committed to graduating active and informed citizens.
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 27-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.
The University enrolls 17,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.