They used poetry and other types of creative writing as a way to help restore the voices of a couple dozen incarcerated women who had experienced trauma and hopelessness. They called the organization Poetic Justice.

In the dozen years since, Poetic Justice has expanded to several other states – including California, where it has a large presence – as well as Mexico. Last year, it served almost 900 people in women’s prisons, jails and juvenile facilities.

Now, one of Poetic Justice’s signature initiatives has come to Cal State San Marcos.

This semester, the twice-annual Context Exhibit Series on the third floor of Kellogg Library is a display titled “Voices on the Inside.” It’s a series of photographs – many of them outsized – in which women incarcerated in state prisons have been given a chance to direct their own self-portrait in collaboration with Lisa Loftus, a photographer for Poetic Justice. The portraits are inspired by a poem that the women wrote, giving them agency over their narratives.

“The Context Exhibit Series is a space for us to uplift and showcase our communities, specifically focusing on communities that do not have the spaces or platforms to do so,” said Irma Ramos Arreaga, CSUSM’s outreach and inclusion librarian. "I hope our students, staff and faculty are able to walk through the exhibit and learn from all the powerful voices showcased in the exhibition this semester."

On Thursday, the library will host two events in conjunction with Voices on the Inside. At noon in the second-floor Makery, there will be a workshop and discussion exploring the use of poetry and photography as a form of rehabilitation and healing. Then, at 5 p.m., a guided gallery walk-through will take place on the third floor, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A on the fifth-floor Kellogg Reading Room.

The panel will feature Poetic Justice leaders and six women (some included in the exhibit) who experienced the carceral system before being paroled.

Both the workshop and the panel require an RSVP.

Voices on the Inside is the brainchild of Loftus, a fashion photographer who started with Poetic Justice as a volunteer writing partner, and Katie Turner, the director of the organization’s California program since 2019. During the pandemic, Turner and Loftus would daydream about creating an annual opportunity for people in women’s prisons across the country, and in the Tijuana program, to collaborate with Loftus and the nonprofit’s poetry facilitators to develop self-portrait photos and poems.

“It was important to those first participants that their individual voices be heard through their poetry and that the outsized proportionality of their photographs represent the outsized problem of mass incarceration,” Turner said.

Four years ago, Turner applied for and received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to show Voices on the Inside for the first time. It debuted at San Diego’s downtown library before being shown at San Diego State. The exhibit came to CSUSM thanks to a friendship between Loftus and CSUSM sociology lecturer Mary Roche, who connected Loftus with Arreaga.

Asked what Voices on the Inside means to her, Turner borrowed the words of one of the exhibit’s participants, who was found eligible for parole after 18 years (after being incarcerated since she was 17) due largely to her rehabilitative efforts with organizations like Poetic Justice.

As the woman said: “I believe that the outside community has been allowed to forget the incarcerated population because they are not faced with our faces or our stories. They are able to dehumanize us and look at us as numbers or a bunch of criminals with nothing to offer.

“For me, Voices on the Inside is a way to stand apart from that misconception and to show the world that I have a voice, I have hope and I have the power to change the world. At the exhibit, people who have an open mind or an interest or curiosity will be exposed to these pieces, and I believe that once they see us, they can’t unsee us. That alone will change their perception, and then everyone they talk to about us will create a domino effect that could tumble into Sacramento’s legislative door.”

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Rodriguez is an award-winning poet who draws from his own life and shares how he overcame gang involvement to become a leading voice for hope, healing and social justice.

The event is free for CSUSM students. Tickets are $5 for faculty, staff and alumni, and $10 for community members.

Get your tickets online.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos’ Arts and Lectures fall series continues with a screening of “You’re No Indian” on Oct. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the USU Ballroom. 

The film is described as a powerful stand for those whose voices have been silenced. It exposes the dark intersection of power, greed and cultural erasure, urging viewers to join a growing movement for truth and accountability. 

The event is free for CSUSM students. Tickets are $5 for faculty, staff and alumni, and $10 for community members. 

Get your tickets online. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The Office of Inclusive Excellence sponsors a complimentary lunch as the community comes together to share its focus on longstanding commitment to diversity, educational equity, inclusion and social justice.

President Ellen Neufeldt will be presenting the President’s Student Champion Award for Inclusive Excellence and Diversity.

Register to attend online.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Jahanshahi will give a free public talk at CSUSM on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m. in Arts Building 239. The exhibition, on display in the David Avalos Gallery through Oct. 24, features posters created by designers from China, the United States, Mexico, Iran and Denmark alongside peace posters made by CSUSM students.

Ghazal Foroutan, an assistant professor of graphic design at CSUSM, is the curator for the selection of posters by the students. She's also a former graduate student of Jahanshahi.

“I selected these works because they bring forth peace from a global perspective,” Foroutan said. “Their imagery, color, type and symbols are diverse, yet each can be understood across cultures without translation. Together, they point to the power of graphic design as a visual language, one that can be read by anyone, anywhere.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Students are invited to join other Cougars for a tailgate party from 7-8:30 p.m., and the main event will tip off at 8:30. There will be introductions to all the CSUSM sports teams and performances by the dance and cheer teams. Students can enjoy free food, free swag, games and even a dunk contest while celebrating the kickoff to another year of exciting Cougar athletics.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Even so, as a high school student from a small village in northern India, Sharma knew she wanted to experience Summer Scholars. How could a teenager from half a world away possibly know about CSUSM’s longtime program offering summer research opportunities to undergraduate students?

By applying the same rigorous research skills to her college search process that she ultimately would once she arrived in North San Diego County.

“I knew I wanted to do this program,” Sharma said.

There was just one sizable obstacle in her path: She had no means to pay for higher education. When she was 17, her father died unexpectedly, and he had been the breadwinner in the family. She was able to complete her private high school only thanks to the generosity of an aunt.

Even now, several years later, Sharma gets overcome with emotion when she thinks about how close she came to her vast educational ambition becoming derailed.

“It still feels overwhelming and like a dream that I’m here,” she said.

When it came time for her marriage to be arranged at age 19, Sharma set one nonnegotiable condition: Her husband had to be willing to help pay for her to attend a university in America. She found Rajat, a collection manager for a financial firm in India, they got married four years ago and now she’s in her final year as a student at CSUSM.

Sharma certainly has maximized her husband’s investment. In August, following her second Summer Scholars experience, she was one of five students honored at the program-culminating poster showcase with scholarship money to continue their research this fall. She received the biggest award, the $8,000 Dr. Norma Baer Maderazo Memorial Scholarship that supports undergraduate students pursuing STEM fields.

A software engineering major, Sharma was recognized for her research project – working with professor Justin Morris, she developed machine learning models to detect insect populations for precision architecture, enabling more targeted pesticide use – as well as her on-campus involvement and her off-campus internships.

Sharma knew next to nothing about machine learning before this year. What she knew was that she wanted to participate in Summer Scholars again after initially doing the program in 2024 (she was studying computer science at the time, and the project involved cybersecurity) and then missing the deadline last year (not to worry, she instead worked as a software engineering intern for Ectron Corporation in San Diego).

Sharma contacted multiple professors to serve as her faculty mentor, and she connected in January with Morris, a computer engineering professor who has taught at CSUSM since 2022.

“He taught me everything, like you teach A to Z to kids,” Sharma said. “I felt it was easy because of him. He was awesome.”

Sharma’s tutoring under Morris coincided with an opportunity to do an internship as a conversation tech fellow with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (persistence paid off, as it marked her third time pursuing the same opening). Sure enough, the work – which will continue until December – concerns machine learning; she’s developing computer models that distinguish adult and juvenile burrowing owls.

Sharma also is extending her work with Morris beyond Summer Scholars. The subject of this project happens to be Morris’ niche: hyperdimensional computing, which involves training a computer on neural networks.

“What impresses me most is not only her technical ability, but her curiosity and willingness to pursue research that creates meaningful impact beyond the university,” Morris said. “Her resilience, compassion and commitment to using technology for the benefit of society are evident in every aspect of her work.”

Sharma, though, is not content to be a standout merely in the research lab. This semester, she chartered the first campus chapter of Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit that aims to support and increase the number of women in STEM. That now makes her the president of three student organizations; the other two are the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and Alpha Lamba Delta, an academic honor society for first-year students.

And all of this is in addition to the “seven or eight” different on-campus jobs she has held, the current one being technology student assistant in the College of Business Administration.

Of the campus founding of Girls Who Code, Sharma said: “When a young student, like I was back in India, wants to go for something, they often feel doubt about whether they should do it. I went for it anyway, but not everybody has the courage to do that. So having a mentor is the most important thing in life.”

Sharma remains driven by the legacy of her father, who built a prosperous life and family despite not having the means to go to college himself. She yearns to succeed to honor his memory. She moved to and lives in California without any family members – Rajat is able to visit in summer – but this spring she will be joined by her younger brother, Kartik, who will start as a student just as she is wrapping up.

Sharma hopes that her mother will be able to attend her commencement ceremony in May.

“She always says that if your father were here, he would be really proud, and he’s always watching over you in whatever you do,” she said. “She’s a great mother.”

But Sharma’s thirst for education will not be quenched by even by a degree that no one else in her family has obtained. She’s applying to doctoral programs that specialize in machine learning, with UC Berkeley as her top choice.

And to think, it all started with a young girl in India, against all odds, discovering a program called Summer Scholars.

“When somebody nowadays looks at my resume, they say I’ve done a great job,” Sharma said. “But it's not just me. The professors I've worked with, the professors I’ve had class with, my classmates and everybody who has been part of my journey has done well to support me. That's why I can do everything I'm doing right now.

“Honestly, Cal State San Marcos has given me opportunities that I could only dream of.”

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

A message will be sent at 10:10 a.m. advising the campus community to “drop, cover and hold on.” The drill will be broadcast via outdoor speakers, digital signage, text and email.

The ShakeOut is a chance to learn how to protect yourself and prepare your workspace and home for potential earthquake hazards. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for individuals.

Individuals in an office or classroom are advised to “drop, cover and hold on” under any available large object that will provide protection from falling debris.

Campus community members are encouraged to participate wherever they are on campus at that time. Post a photo with #CSUSMShakes to be entered into a drawing for a CSUSM gift card.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Kevane La'Marr Coleman, the administrative support coordinator of the Department of Art, Media and Design at Cal State San Marcos, will be performing in an upcoming community arts event called

“The Voices of Black Angels,” which was curated and directed by Bil Wright, is a concert reading of classic poetry and prose by Black LGBTQ+ writers. It explores the celebration and joy of Black queer love while advocating for cultural freedom, political resistance and the grief brought to the community during the AIDS crisis.

“I am honored to be one of the performers in this new work,” Coleman said. “My involvement also reflects the work I am doing in our local LGBTQIA+ community to uplift and amplify queer playwrights and performers of color, as well as to help bring historically significant works by queer authors to contemporary audiences.”

The free performance will take place Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at The San Diego LGBT Community Center at 3909 Centre St. in San Diego.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The study, which was published in “Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine,” employs computational modeling to examine how cortical and subcortical influences might be reflected in electromyography (EMG) and in the synchronization seen between muscles.

Rather than using muscle signals to directly infer what is happening in the brain, the simulator allows researchers to test specific hypotheses in a controlled setting. They can alter their assumptions about neural input and bilateral interaction and then see how these changes affect the simulated EMG signals. Because both the article and the simulator are openly available, other researchers can replicate and extend the framework. 

Pinto Neto believes that there are potential applications in future research into motor control and in the development of biomarkers for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and stroke.

Pinto Neto's paper is titled “A computational framework for EMG simulation and coherence-based biomarker analysis on neural crosstalk in bimanual coordination.” The free open-source simulator is also available online.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Now, CSUSM is taking its biggest step yet in its mission to integrate sustainability into everything it does.

On Oct. 5, the university officially launched the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), a roadmap that will guide its sustainability and climate efforts for years to come. The occasion was marked with a launch party in the USU Ballroom. 

“This plan represents more than a collection of goals and strategies,” said Leon Wyden, CSUSM’s vice president of Finance and Administrative Services. “It reflects our shared vision for the future of CSUSM. It is the result of extensive collaboration across the campus community, bringing together the expertise, perspectives and aspirations of students, faculty, staff and administrators.”

The SCAP is an outgrowth of CSUSM’s larger strategic plan – which was launched in 2022 and includes sustainability and climate justice as core values – as well as action that President Ellen Neufeldt took three years ago. In August 2023, she signed the Second Nature Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment, a comprehensive guide for mitigating and adapting to a changing climate. Part of that commitment was a pledge to develop a climate action plan, which became the SCAP.

The SCAP includes four high-level commitments: climate leadership, transformative academics, sustainable campus operations and culture of sustainability.

“By integrating sustainability into campus operations, academics and the culture at CSUSM, we are creating opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills and leadership experience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Juliana Goodlaw-Morris, director of sustainability and climate justice in the Office of Safety, Health and Sustainability. “This plan provides a bold framework for action while advancing a more sustainable and resilient future for all.”

The SCAP will serve as CSUSM’s guiding sustainability document through 2035. In addition to the Second Nature Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment, it aligns the university’s priorities with other frameworks that include the California State University sustainability policy, the AASHE Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The plan was developed in close collaboration with the Sustainability and Climate Action Task Force, a group of CSUSM stakeholders who hold leadership roles aligned with the plan’sgoals.

CSUSM has made major strides in the area of sustainability since it created its first sustainability master plan in 2014. Examples include:

• The College of Business Administration plans to launch a specialization in strategic sustainability this spring; the program will be among the only ones of its kind in San Diego County.
• CSUSM has established a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
• The university achieved a 28% reduction in natural gas use from 2023 through 2025.
• Three-fourths of the vehicles in the campus fleet are fully electric.
• Five campus buildings are LEED certified.
• CSUSM received gold STARS ratings in 2020 and 2024, and has set a goal of achieving platinum.
• More than 83,000 pounds of waste have been diverted from landfills through Crash’s Clean Out program since 2018.
• About $2.7 million has been saved and 241 million gallons of water have been conserved through the campus irrigation well.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Those who choose to enter the opportunity drawing will have a chance to win a $25 gift card or the grand prize of an iPad.

The data collected from the CSU AI Survey will guide institutional research and contribute to the development of resources and policies. 

To participate in the survey, click the link. The deadline to participate is Oct. 19

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Employees can submit their office’s intent to participate by Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Entrants can decorate their department’s main door while ensuring that accessibility isn’t hindered by the display and avoiding open flames or pyrotechnics.

Judging will begin on Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. Entries will be judged based on craftsmanship, theme, creativity and visual impressions.

Register your office’s participation here today.

For more information about the contest, visit the website.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Networking nights will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 22 in the USU Ballroom. These events feature small-group networking rounds with guided discussion prompts. Professionals share their stories, offer industry insights and answer students' questions. The experience helps students gain confidence, sharpen their communication skills and explore career pathways.

Business professionals interested in participating can register online.

CoBA is also hosting mock interviews for business students. Professionals ask interview-style questions, evaluate communication and professionalism, and provide clear, constructive feedback. These exercises build confidence, strengthen interview skills and help students stand out in today’s competitive job market.

The mock interviews will take place on Nov. 2, 9 and 10 in the USU and Nov. 12 in the Kellogg Library Reading Room. Students can register online.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

After attending community college and working for a few years, she enrolled at Cal State San Marcos as a psychology major, eager to continue her education but uncertain about what would come next.

“I knew I wanted to keep learning, but I didn't have a clear vision for my future,” Naficy said.

Her path crystallized after a friend encouraged her to connect with CSUSM’s Center for Training, Research and Educational Excellence (CTREE), where she discovered a passion for research and added a minor in biological sciences.

“CTREE changed the trajectory of my career," Naficy said. “They showed me how to explore graduate programs, apply for funding and even present my work at national conferences.”

Now, as she prepares to graduate in May, Naficy plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in biotech research, a path she never imagined when she first arrived at CSUSM.

For Kailey Pickering, the journey began even earlier.

Just a few days after graduating from high school, Pickering was contacted by CTREE and invited to learn more about the program.

"As a first-generation college student, I didn't really know what graduate school was," Pickering said. “They explained all of my options in a way that’s welcoming, not intimidating. It’s such a privilege to get a stipend for research, which allows me to focus on my studies without worrying about groceries or gas money.”

Today, this third-year biochemistry student plans to pursue a Ph.D. in microbiology and hopes to become a professor who focuses on teaching, mentorship and research.

Expanding Access to Research and Graduate Education

A new $1 million investment from the Prebys Foundation will ensure that more students like Pickering and Naficy have access to research experiences, mentorship and critical financial support as they pursue graduate school and careers in STEM.

“Programs like CTREE are critical to sustaining scientific success long-term,” said Emily Young, the Prebys Foundation vice president of programs. “They identify and help prepare the next generation of researchers, and the foundation is delighted to be part of the process.”

Led by faculty director Denise Garcia and associate director Richard Armenta, CTREE prepares undergraduate and master's students for advanced degrees and careers in science, medicine and health-related fields. The program has been especially successful in supporting first-generation and low-income students, achieving a graduate school placement rate of 90 to 100 percent in recent years.

“Kailey and Victoria show what's possible when talented individuals are given the opportunity to pursue research and advanced education,” Garcia said. “We've seen our graduates go on to doctoral programs at UCSD, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Northwestern and Texas A&M among others. And many of them build careers here in San Diego, helping drive innovation, advance health research and give back to the communities they came from.”

The grant will support students and faculty across several key areas.

Student research: Each year, at least 10 undergraduate students and five master’s students will receive paid research internships, with stipends of up to $20,000. The funding allows students to dedicate meaningful time to research while reducing the financial pressures that often limit participation.

Faculty research: Faculty researchers will receive support for projects involving undergraduate and graduate students. The funding can be used for research supplies, equipment, participant costs and time devoted to mentoring student researchers. The investment is expected to be particularly impactful for early-career faculty members as they establish research programs and pursue external funding opportunities.

Conferences, workshops and research training: The grant will support student and faculty participation in professional conferences, workshops and specialized training programs. Participants will have opportunities to present research, engage with the scientific community and develop skills in emerging research techniques and technologies, including programs offered in partnership with local biotechnology companies.

“CSUSM faculty are doing exceptional research, and they are deeply committed to involving students in that work,” Armenta said. "This investment expands opportunities for both faculty and students, helping researchers advance their work while giving more students a chance to discover what's possible through research.”

The investment also aligns with the Prebys Foundation's commitment to strengthening San Diego County's research ecosystem and scientific workforce. With 8 in 10 CSUSM graduates staying in the region, the university serves as an important pipeline of talent for the county's biomedical, biotechnology and STEM industries.

“CSUSM students reflect the diversity and talent of San Diego County,” Garcia said. “When we invest in their development as researchers, they gain the skills, confidence and experience to pursue opportunities they may never have imagined. We're deeply grateful to the Prebys Foundation for helping us expand those opportunities and support the next generation of scientists and innovators.”

Every contribution to CSUSM brings the university closer to its Blueprint for the Future campaign goal to raise $200 million in philanthropy and research funding.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The event allows students to meet with potential employers, secure career opportunities and have free professional headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles. 

Employers will be there to hire for both internships and full-time positions. Students are encouraged to bring their résumé and dress professionally. 

Students can visit the Cougar Career Closet once a semester to receive up to four free professional clothing items. Students can book an appointment through their Handshake account. 

The Career Center also offers several workshops to help students polish their résumés and practice networking skills. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Upcoming civic engagement events include:

• Oct. 7: National Voter Education Week Ballot Prep Party, noon-2 p.m., USU 2310 meeting rooms
• Oct. 13: Voter registration tabling, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Kellogg Plaza
• Oct. 20: Voter registration tabling, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Kellogg Plaza
• Oct. 27: Voter registration tabling, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., USU Arcade

The Department of Civic Engagement provides opportunities for students to develop civic knowledge and participate in democratic engagement. Students gain confidence through initiatives such as Democracy in Action, Speaking of Democracy, days of service, voter engagement and the Town Hall Meeting.

Visit the Department of Civic Engagement website to learn more.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The award honors faculty members, including lecturers, who have mentored a considerable number of students and influenced the environment of the department, college, or university to increase the number and diversity of students engaged in research and creative activities.

Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, students, or community partners. Self-nominations are also welcome.

To submit a nomination, submit a letter describing how the nominee represents the intent of the award, such as scholarship, community building and mentoring effectiveness.

The nomination letter should be sent via email to ogsr@csusm.edu. Include the nominee’s name and the award title in the subject line.

Nomination letters are due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The event, which promotes and celebrates student research and creative activity, is now accepting applications.

The showcase is free and open to all CSUSM students, offering a welcoming, noncompetitive environment for sharing their work.

All disciplines are encouraged to apply. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Independent research
• Literature survey
• Course-based undergraduate research projects
• Creative activities
• Summer research

The entry application deadline is Nov. 3 at 5 p.m.

To apply, visit the Student Poster Showcase website.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The free program is available to CSUSM students enrolled in classes at any of these locations: San Marcos, Temecula, or CSUSM at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. It's intended only for academic purposes, such as classes, labs and research projects.

Through the program, approved students can use the dedicated pedestrian lanes at three major ports of entry, making their daily commutes more predictable during the school year.

To qualify for CAP, students must meet all the following criteria: 

• Be currently enrolled at CSUSM, including through CSUSM at Southwestern College.
• Have verified enrollment for the academic year in which they are traveling (approval lasts 12 months, so students need to renew their information with CAP each year).
• Be crossing the border specifically for academic purposes, including in-person classes, research or service projects.
• Carry valid, up-to-date travel and immigration documents.

CBP determines eligibility and approval; CSUSM does not influence the process, and CAP participation is not guaranteed. 

To learn more about the program, visit the CAP website. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

CSUSM was ranked No. 20 overall in “Regional Universities (West),” a three-spot improvement over its position last year. The university is No. 11 in “Top Public Schools - Regional Universities (West),” two spots higher than last year.

CSUSM also landed in the top 10 in “Top Performers in Social Mobility - Regional Universities (West),” coming in at No. 8 and climbing eight spots. CSUSM is proud to be a national leader in social mobility, ensuring that students have opportunities that transform their lives and the lives of their families and communities.

Another improvement came in the category of “Best Value Schools - Regional Universities (West)” (up 13 spots to No. 27).

In a category that’s new to the rankings this year, CSUSM placed No. 6 in “Best Value Schools for In-State Students - Regional Universities (West).”

In other category rankings, CSUSM was:

• tied for No. 82 in “Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No Doctorate)”
• tied for No. 195 in “Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs (No Doctorate)”
• tied for No. 255 in “Undergraduate Psychology Programs”
• tied for No. 276 in “Undergraduate Computer Science Programs”
• tied for No. 390 in “Undergraduate Business Programs” 

In rankings released earlier this month, CSUSM was 64th in the nation out of more than 1,500 colleges in Washington Monthly’s “2026 Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars,” up from a No. 73 ranking last year.

And last month, CSUSM placed 31st in the country in SmartAsset’s 2026 study of America’s Best Value Public Universities.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The 10th and last episode of “People of the West” will be shown in the USU ballroom from 6-8 p.m. The event is free and open to all members of the campus community.

The episode is titled “The Next Generation,” and the website description reads: “From the Channel Islands to the Coachella Valley, California’s Native nations reclaim their role as caretakers of land and sea.”

“People of the West” is a 10-part series that draws on oral histories, archival materials, Native scholars, cultural practitioners and cinematic storytelling to give a fuller picture of California's past, present and future. It’s produced by Pechanga Studios, the creative arm of Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

Cal State San Marcos is well represented in the series. Two American Indian studies faculty members (Nicole Myers-Lim and Stan Rodriguez) are featured on camera, as are two current or former students: Kiara Love Flores and Aiden Valverde. CSUSM alumna Laila Basquez is a producer for the series.

Learn more about the series at its website.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

In 2021, she feared that she would be pinned with another moniker: college dropout.

Only two days after her daughter, Aaleyah, was born, Stowinsky began the fall semester as a student at Grossmont College. Amid the pandemic, she was taking online classes while trying to raise a baby who was literally days and weeks old – all without childcare or family support. Feeling overwhelmed by her situation, she stopped attending class and failed multiple courses, ultimately withdrawing from the school.

“Walking away initially felt easier than facing another disappointment,” Stowinsky said. “But over time, that decision weighed heavily on me. I realized I did not want my daughter growing up believing that setbacks meant giving up. I wanted her to see resilience, accountability and perseverance, even during difficult moments.”

The following spring, Stowinsky suppressed her fear of failing again and re-enrolled at Grossmont. Three years later, she earned an associate degree and transferred to Cal State San Marcos. Now, as she's in what she expects to be her final year at CSUSM, her persistence has paid off in a previously unimaginable way.

Stowinsky will be honored this week as CSUSM’s recipient of the 2026 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the highest student distinction within the California State University. Students are selected based on superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need.

The CSU recognizes 22 students every year – one from each campus – with the Trustees’ Award. Stowinsky, who was named a CSU Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Fong Scholar, will receive her award in person during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach on Sept. 22.

“Kaitlyn has overcome tremendous personal hardship while pursuing higher education and raising her young daughter,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Her story is one of transformation, social mobility and an unwavering commitment to creating a better future for herself and others.

“She represents the very best of the CSU system, and she couldn’t be more deserving of this award.”

Stowinsky is pursuing a degree in molecular and cellular biology and is on track to graduate in May. She’s particularly interested in genetics, gender and development, and how human physiology influences neurological and psychological development.

“These fields fascinate me because they merge scientific exploration with deep human questions about identity, resilience and how biology and environment shape who we become,” she said.

From failing out of Grossmont, Stowinsky is now a dean's list student who's a member of Tau Sigma, a national academic honor society for transfer students who achieve 3.5 or higher GPA at the end of their first term. Beyond the classroom, she works for Project Rebound, a campus program that empowers formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students at CSUSM.

During her time at Grossmont, Stowinsky served as a biology peer mentor, chemistry tutor and workshop organizer for the school’s Math, Science and Engineering Achievement (MESA) program, which provides students with the support and resources needed to succeed academically en route to careers in STEM disciplines.

“Many students entering STEM fields feel isolated or intimidated, especially those from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds,” Stowinsky said. “Because I understand those feelings personally, I strive to create the kind of support system I once needed myself.”

Stowinsky entered the foster care system at age 4, after her mother went on deployment. When she was a few years older, she would wait by the door every night, wondering when her mom would come home. Instability became her normal – she attended eight different high schools and struggled with her mental health.

“I believed my future would always be limited by my circumstances,” she said.

That feeling of fatalism changed immediately when Aaleyah was born in August 2021. Stowinsky realized that overcoming obstacles and persevering as a student were no longer just about success for her; they were about a different, better future for her daughter.

“Education became more than an opportunity,” Stowinsky said. “It became my way out, my proof that I could rewrite my story.”

The odds might have suggested that Stowinsky would fall far short of a bachelor’s degree. Now, however, she wants even more. She aims to pursue a master’s in science, with an ambition to contribute to research that advances equitable healthcare outcomes and supports people with complex personal histories.

The Trustees’ Award is confirmation that she’s firmly on the right track – as a student and a mother. Aaleyah turned 5 and started kindergarten in August.

"This award is so much more than a recognition of an accomplishment,” she said. “To me, it is a reminder that people have seen my journey, my dedication, my growth and my dreams, and they too believe in me. Their belief is what continues to push me forward on the days when things feel difficult. It motivates me to keep growing into the person, and mother, I know I am meant to become and to continue working every day to honor the faith and support that has been placed in me."

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Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

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As President Ellen Neufeldt explained, however, there was a good reason for the break. She effectively took Report to the Community off campus for a road show last year.

Neufeldt and other university officials traveled to Chula Vista for a leadership listening session. They drove north to Temecula for a community breakfast to talk about CSUSM’s growth in Southwest Riverside County.

Perhaps most significantly, they ventured to nearby Carlsbad for the official launch of the university’s second comprehensive fundraising campaign, the $200 million “Blueprint for the Future.”

On Thursday, though, Report to the Community was back on familiar ground – at the Sports Center, where more than 350 business, education, government and nonprofit leaders from North County and beyond gathered to hear Neufeldt’s annual address, her eighth since being hired as CSUSM’s president in 2019.

There was much to discuss. Last month, CSUSM kicked off the academic year with about 17,600 students, the most in its 36-year history. Those students were greeted by the new sight of the university’s fourth housing facility, Black Oak Hall, and its second dining facility, Kwiila Dining.

Even more physical transformation is on the horizon. Looming at the top of campus is the construction of Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, which will open next fall. And across Barham Drive in North City, work continues on Discovery Hall and Wellness Center, which will add 900 beds to CSUSM’s rapidly growing housing inventory while giving the university its first dedicated space for recreation and wellness.

“As I begin my eighth year as president, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting,” Neufeldt said, adding that she recently stayed up one night with her dog, Bailey, to watch past editions of Report to the Community.

“As I looked back, something became clear: The Power of Us is a powerful thing. It was amazing to see all that we’ve planned together come to life.”

Neufeldt proceeded to spotlight some of the ways that the Power of CSUSM, the name of CSUSM’s strategic plan (launched in 2022), is manifesting itself four years later.

As part of its extensive support of military-supported students, CSUSM has launched a Veteran to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) pathway that allows military expertise and training to translate into transferable credits. The university next plans to bring programs onto bases at Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

When Hunter Hall opens next year, CSUSM will become the only public university in the region to offer majors in industrial and systems engineering, supported by a $3 million federal grant that Neufeldt announced during her speech.

Meanwhile, the Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast Track (SWIFT) Health Programs, born of a $10 million gift from Price Philanthropies, began its second year with a 97% retention rate in its initial cohort. The accelerated degree program was designed to help students earn bachelor’s degrees in three years and address surging regional demand for mental health services.

All of this fits into a larger narrative of CSUSM striving to be a national leader in social mobility under Neufeldt. Toward that end, last fall the university ranked No. 1 in the Social Mobility Index from CollegeNET (out of more than 1,400 schools) for the second time in three years. And CSUSM recently launched the CSU National Center for Social Mobility on campus.

“These examples all come together in what we’ve been working toward as a community: serving our students and meeting the needs of our region,” Neufeldt said. “The focus has always been on the social mobility of our students. We’ve never lost sight of that.”

In other highlights from Neufeldt’s speech:

• Just one year after its kickoff, the “Blueprint for the Future” campaign already has raised $178 million, putting CSUSM 89% of the way toward its goal.
• Neufeldt presented a special challenge coin display (a nod to the coins that are given to parents of new students at the start of the school year) to San Marcos’ outgoing mayor, Rebecca Jones, who received the first CSUSM Community Partner of the Year Award on behalf of the city during Neufeldt’s first Report to the Community in 2020.
• In the last few years, CSUSM has more than doubled its number of memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements with school districts for guaranteed admission to 27. Those MOUs also extend to tribal nations, including one signed last week with the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians.
• Associated Students, Inc., has secured a $1 million state grant with the help of Assemblymember Darshana Patel to expand the ASI Cougar Pantry, which assists students struggling with food insecurity.
• CSUSM has started three other new academic programs: a master’s in clinical counseling, a doctorate in nursing practice (its first stand-alone doctorate) and a bachelor’s in clinical laboratory science. Neufeldt said two other doctorate programs are in the works.

Before Neufeldt’s speech, Patricia Prado-Olmos, CSUSM’s chief community engagement officer, presented the Community Partner of the Year Award to Mark Sanchez, superintendent and president of Southwestern College. Sanchez was honored for his role in forging a partnership through which CSUSM brings bachelor’s degree programs directly to students in the Chula Vista area, while Southwestern provides classroom and office space at no cost and collaborates with CSUSM on student recruitment.

After handing out the award, Prado-Olmos got a surprise with the announcement that the honor will now be called the Dr. Patricia Prado-Olmos Community Partner of the Year Award. Prado-Olmos revealed in May that she will be retiring at the end of the current academic year.

Another award annually bestowed at Report to the Community is the Fran Aleshire Leadership Award, which goes to an outstanding alumnus of the Leadership North County program founded by Aleshire in the 1980s. Cathy Baur, CSUSM’s former vice president of University Advancement and the 2024 recipient of the award, gave the honor to Rosemary Eshelman, who has served North County students, families and communities for more than two decades through the Carlsbad Unified School District and Carlsbad Youth Enrichment Services.

The emcee of the event was Brett Ringler, assistant vice president of clinic operations and medicine specialties for Scripps Health, vice chair of the CSUSM University Council and an executive in residence in the College of Business Administration.

Report to the Community is hosted each year by University Council, a citizen advisory board consisting of community leaders interested in the development and welfare of the university. 

North City served as the presidential sponsor of Report to the Community. The signature sponsors were the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, Lifeline Community Services, Pechanga Resort Casino and TrueCare.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, communications specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Donors can choose from dozens of options, including a flight of stairs, a parking lot, a flagpole, a building, or even a tree or bench. 

Gift amounts, starting at $50, support the ASI Cougar Pantry, the ASI Student Emergency Fund (managed by Associated Students, Inc.) and the Student Health and Counseling Services Health Assistance Fund.

The campaign ends on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. To call dibs, visit the website or contact Sean Briner at sbriner@csusm.edu.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314