Cal State San Marcos’ Arts and Lecture series will host a discussion about the making of the Disney live-action film “Moana” through the perspectives of the Oceanic Cultural Trust, which is a group created by the film company to serve as cultural consultants on Oceanic language and performing arts.

CSUSM faculty member Grant Muagutui’a was the lead cultural consultant for the film. He and others involved in the making of the film will discuss their contributions to the movie. 

 Members of the Oceanic Cultural Trust and actors from the film will engage attendees with behind-the-scenes stories and live-action musical and dance performances exclusively for CSUSM. 

The event is from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the USU Ballroom. It is free for all CSUSM students, $5 for faculty/staff/alumni and $10 for community members. 

Visit the webpage for tickets. 

Media Contact

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

The panel discussion will examine how the show has changed since its original premiere by showing an episode from the original series along with an episode of the new sequel.

BFSA members will be discussing race relations, answering questions and engaging in meaningful discussion with the audience about how to move things forward in society.  Light refreshments will be served.

Media Contact

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

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

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

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

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

Frank is a goldendoodle who’s the university’s first therapy and facility dog. Frank partners with students, faculty, staff and campus programs to create meaningful moments of connection – whether supporting mindfulness practices, helping students navigate stressful moments, visiting classrooms and campus events, or simply providing a welcoming place to pause and reset.

Frank is available on Mondays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in front of Kellogg Library, on Tuesdays from noon- 1 p.m. at the Veterans Center and Thursdays from 11: 45 a.m.-1 p.m. on the third floor of the library.

He is here for you to de-stress, so come visit him when you need a boost, have an exam or are just dealing with the stressors of life.

You can learn more about Frank at the Mindful CSUSM website or follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

Media Contact

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

Intellectual engagement goals include co-curricular programs bridging academic and student life and interdisciplinary integration across curriculum. Community engagement goals include bringing together the campus community and the surrounding community.

“Stories as Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Doors” is the Common Read theme for the second year in a row.

Students can pick up a free copy of a Common Read book and participate in activities from noon to 12:50 p.m. in front of Kellogg Library on the following dates: Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 10.

The five books selected this year are:

• Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory, Caitlin Doughty
• Somewhere we are Human, Reyna Grande and Sonia Guiñansaca
• Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir, Tessa Hulls
• If Cats Disappeared from the World: A Novel, Genki Kawamura (library's Student Advisory Board selection)
• I Can Write the World, Joshunda Sanders and Charly Palmer

Media Contact

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

The event was held in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, CSUSM Veterans Center, ROTC and Campus Recreation.

The Alumni Association also noted the participation of the San Marcos Fire Department and the support of Cohn Restaurant Group, which provided gift cards to Draft Republic San Marcos to the first 100 participants to check in.

Participants climbed a total of 2,071 steps, representing the number of steps that first responders climbed in the courageous efforts to save lives at the Twin Towers on 9/11.  

Assemblymember Darshana Patel was in attendance to present a proclamation to the Alumni Association as a thank you for honoring and remembering the lives lost on 9/11.

Media Contact

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

SWIFT’s mission is to develop a new generation of mental and behavioral health professionals by offering expedited bachelor's degrees that prioritize dual enrollment, community service and practical experience. 

SWIFT’s accomplishments include:

• successfully completing its first year with an 89% retention rate, as 33 of 37 students are continuing in the program;
• the three-year accelerated program receiving 131 applications, representing a 162% increase from last year;
• successfully hosting the CSUSM REP4 Summit this summer, bringing together SWIFT and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) students for an engaging experience focused on connection, learning and community.

Media Contact

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

The primary goal is enhancing fall-risk assessment, rehabilitation techniques and comprehension of age-related changes in mobility. The project aims to fill in gaps in the body of knowledge on toe strength and balance.

Some key points of this research include enhancing a novel device that measures multiple aspects of great toe function, including force control, force generation across joint angles and force during movement and comparing the relationships in younger vs. older adults.

Reaching these goals will offer significant understanding of how aging affects great toe function and produce a great toe function measuring technique that could help in standardizing measurements utilized by other researchers that examine fall risk in older persons.

Media Contact

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

Performances of “Worthy” are on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., Sept. 19 at 7:20 p.m. and Sept. 25 at 9:40 p.m. at the Will Agee Theatre in Inglewood.

“Worthy” is the final installment of Benson’s Haitian Revolution trilogy. It explores the "double debt" that Haiti was compelled to pay France following its independence and links this history to concepts of trauma, freedom, debt, self-worth and what individuals believe they are entitled to.

Tickets are available online.

Media Contact

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

The rankings focus on college access for less-wealthy students and affordability after financial aid. They use factors such as Pell Grant enrollment and expected access based on admissions, test scores and family income.

CSUSM is also 23rd out of 215 colleges in the magazine’s “2026 Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars: West” and 50th out of 100 colleges in its list of “America’s Best Four-Year Hispanic-Serving Colleges.”

Last month, CSUSM placed 31^st 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 interdisciplinary minor will explore the scientific, psychological and philosophical dimensions of mindfulness and its impact on well-being.

A total of 17 units are required for the minor in mindfulness:

• PSYC 100 – Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
• KINE 150 – Foundations in Mindfulness (1 unit)
• KINE 310 – Social and Emotional Health (3 units)
• PSYC 344 – Positive Psychology (3 units)
• SOC 425 – Sociological Mindfulness (4 units)
• UNIV 495C – University Internship (3 units)

With a focus on mindfulness, well-being and contemplative practices, the minor aims to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical methods. It requires completing an internship, which overlaps with the student fellowship requirement.

For more information, contact Ranjeeta Basu at rbasu@csusm.edu.

Media Contact

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

The paper details findings that suggest complex interactions among visual feedback, hand dominance, age and tremor dynamics in Parkinson’s disease. The paper was co-authored by Ana Carolina Brisola Brizzi, Shirley Ferreira Campos, Melina Paula Sales, Fabrício Duarte de Almeida, Wellington Pedroso and Rodrigo Cunha de Mello Pedreiro.

Pinto Neto has written and published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers.

Media Contact

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

Robinson is an assistant professor of nursing at CSUSM, specializing in hospice and palliative care. She has been a board-certified member since 2011. Her scholarship promotes comprehensive care for critically ill patients and their families.

Kohlbry, a professor emerita, is a former director of university relations and research at the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care. She also has significant experience in curriculum development and putting palliative care education into practice across academic fields.

Media Contact

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

Young also recently co-authored an open-access publication titled “Social Work on Mars: A Narrative Foresight Analysis.” The paper, co-authored by Jonathan B. Singer, explores how social work might change if people were to live on Mars in the future and how technology and ethics can shape or create stories about the future.

Young, who has taught at CSUSM since 2015, received his Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a variety of work experience from nonprofit administration to mental health. His research focuses on comprehending and incorporating new media literacies into social work education.

Media Contact

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

The summit is Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the USU Ballroom and features keynote speaker Daniel G. Solórzano, a professor of social science and comparative education at UCLA.

The HSI Summit will serve as an opportunity for professional development, a deeper understanding of HSI responsibilities and the generation of collaborative solutions that benefit both the campus and the broader community. 

The summit brings together faculty, staff, administrators, students and partners from other institutions to engage in meaningful conversations and explore how HSI can promote student achievement and create an inclusive environment where students can thrive.

The event is free and open to all. Register online.

Media Contact

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

SmartAsset, a financial technology company, evaluated more than 500 public colleges and universities in the United States to identify the best values. Schools with an average cost of attendance below the median for similar institutions were assigned composite scores based on graduation rates and median earnings 10 years after first enrollment. The 50 highest-scoring schools were named America’s best-value public universities.

CSUSM was one of 13 California universities to make the list, which was topped by the University of Florida at No. 1.

Earlier this summer, CSUSM received 4.5 out of a possible five stars on Money magazine's list of “Best Colleges in America" for 2026.

Media Contact

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

The list, which includes 735 colleges, showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.

For the fourth year in a row, Money presented its picks on a five-star scale to demonstrate colleges' relative performance without a numbered ranking, which the magazine says can often overstate small differences between relatively similar schools. CSUSM received 4.5 stars for the second consecutive year.

CSUSM was also on Money's list of “Best Public Colleges,” "Best Colleges in the West" and "Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates."

All 22 California State University schools made the list, including six that earned five stars.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The Student Lab Coat Checkout Program was honored last weekend in Austin, Texas at the annual conference of the Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA). The program received three CSHEMA Innovation Awards.

Launched last spring, the lab coat program is a collaboration among SHS, the University Library and the chemistry and biochemistry department. Currently enrolled CSUSM students can borrow coats from the library for free for up to 16 weeks, with the items available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program served 241 students last semester.

Marissa Acosta, Vanessa Rivera and Victor Franco Bolanos from SHS worked with three employees in the library’s User Services department – Alysa Hernandez, Kelly Ann Sam and Leslie Hovland – to make the partnership a success.

Acosta said the program was created to address a barrier to equitable laboratory safety: access to proper personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically lab coats.

“Before the program, some students faced financial challenges when purchasing a lab coat,” said Acosta, who received the awards in person on June 19. “This inequity directly affected student readiness for laboratory participation and created preventable obstacles to maintaining a consistent and accessible culture of safety.”

Based in Wisconsin, CSHEMA is the pre-eminent leadership organization representing the environmental health and safety (EHS) profession in campus environments.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Aaron Hye, peer outreach and student engagement coordinator in the Office of Inclusive Excellence, developed the initiative. The initial workshop gathered leaders across CSUSM for a four-hour discussion and a series of meaningful, skill-building exercises focused on student-centered care.

“The only requirement to participate is to be vulnerable,” Hye said.

Hye said the workshop taught people to view others through an individual lens.

“People have backstories,” he said. “People have histories and people have baggage they come with, so when you deal with people, you have that in mind.”

Early feedback has underscored the value of establishing a shared framework grounded in empathy, accountability and cross-campus collaboration. Hye said he hopes to host more of these workshops in the future.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

During the academy, students heard from cybersecurity experts, participated in cybersecurity skills workshops, had tours of the CSUSM Instructional and Information Technology Services department and cybersecurity firms, and connected with professionals during a networking and showcasing event for their final projects.

Facilitated by Howard Chan, learning experience designer for the Innovation Hub, the program was created to connect students to emerging industries like cybersecurity, biotechnology and AI through hands-on learning and real-world engagement.

The Innovation Hub’s blend of education and application – as well as support from industry sponsors Extreme Networks, Halcyon, SHI, SentinelOne, VectorUSA and Guidepoint Security – gave students the ability to explore the field of digital defense and gain valuable experience. Thanks to a generous donation from Haiku, students also had access to the learning platform that empowers individuals to master cybersecurity through an immersive and engaging experience.

Media Contact

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

As chair, Cherry directs the council, which recommends administrative policy and regulations to govern the division. He also sponsors legislative proposals for the NCAA Convention and reviews committee recommendations.

"It's been an honor to represent CSUSM Athletics and the CCAA on the Management Council for the past three years," Cherry said. “The topics we discuss span a wide range of issues affecting college athletics and the hundreds of thousands of current NCAA student-athletes. We can't lose sight of the student-athletes who are at the heart of all our deliberations, and it's from that lens that we seek to make decisions that benefit them and ensure a positive overall student-athlete experience going forward.”

Last fall, Cherry was also awarded the NCAA Division II Faculty Athletics Association Faculty of the Year Award for 2025. He has been a faculty athletics representative for CSUSM since 2004.

"The political and legal landscape is changing rapidly, and so too is higher education more broadly," Cherry said. “I know it's the intent of all the dedicated professionals at the NCAA national office to lead rather than to respond, even in the midst of a shifting landscape. And while I certainly don't have the answers, I have every confidence that the many people involved in decision-making, across the association, are trying their best to make sense of it all.”

Media Contact

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

Chan, who has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in cross-cultural teaching, has worked for over 30 years in fields spanning workforce development, industry and education.

An engineer, educator and entrepreneur, Chan has championed innovative education models worldwide and continues to inspire students and teachers with creative, hands-on learning styles.

Media Contact

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

“[DIS]COMFORT” is a multidisciplinary exhibition featuring student work that explores the shifting boundaries between comfort and discomfort as they relate to identity, culture and current events. The exhibit celebrates emerging artists as they approach graduation and step into the next phase of their creative careers.

The free exhibition is open to the public and will offer a space for reflection, contemplation and dialogue on the ways we navigate instability, how we comfort ourselves and how discomfort can be a catalyst for growth and transformation.

Visit the exhibition website for more information.

Media Contact

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

The production, which was directed by “Manai” Alleluia Panis, featured six performances between April 17 and April 26.

“Burden of Proof” is inspired by the true story of Perez’s mother, Leonora, who – along with a second Filipina nurse named Filipina Narciso – was wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for the 1975 deaths of patients at a Veterans Administration hospital in Michigan. A judge later ordered their release due to the prosecutor’s “overwhelming prejudice.”

According to the website, the production “delves into the generational trauma inflicted by the American justice system and how traumatic experiences blur the line between memory and nightmare, told through the lens of the fictional Calinao immigrant family.”

The original score includes text drawn from the diary of Leonora Perez and the writings of Jason.

Perez has been on the faculty at CSUSM since 2019. In 2023-24, he served a two-year appointment as the poet laureate for the City of San Diego.  

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The two studies are:

• "Health Risks and Cross-Border Environmental Exposure: A Binational Study of the San Diego-Tijuana-Rosarito Pacific Ocean Coastline," published in Environmental Challenges. This study examines health risks along the coastline shared by the United States and Mexico, and was a collaborative effort with community-based organizations on both sides of the border (One Coastal Community) and the Socio-Environmental Tijuana River Project that Calderón Villarreal directs. The research focuses on the unique environmental health challenges along this shared coastline and the associated health risks. The study is particularly relevant due to the current environmental crisis surrounding the binational Tijuana River, which impacts communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
• "Considering Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as a Valuable Component of Harm Reduction," published in the Harm Reduction Journal. This paper advocates for integrating water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services into harm reduction frameworks to support marginalized populations. It’s the summary of Calderón Villarreal’s contribution in the intersection between environmental health and substance use, based on her research conducted among U.S.-Mexico border communities.

Calderón Villarreal is a medical doctor whose work focuses on the intersection of environmental health and social equity in the binational region that includes San Diego. After earning her undergraduate and master’s degrees from institutions in Mexico, she finished her Ph.D. at the UC San Diego-San Diego State University Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The event will take place on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Forum Plaza. Itʻs being organized by Student Health & Counseling Services and the Women and Gender Equity Center.

The earliest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence, Take Back the Night has been hosted at CSUSM for more than 20 years as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The event will be a safe, supportive space for storytelling and learning. It will conclude with a survivorsʻ circle, in which attendees sit on the grass with tea lights and a microphone is passed around for survivors to share their story. All survivors, supporters and allies are welcome.

If youʻre unable to attend the event but would like to support Take Back the Night at CSUSM, you can make a donation through Cougar Crowdfunding. 

Learn more about sexual violence advocacy and education at CSUSM here.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The discussion will take place on Monday, April 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Cassel is a longtime CSUSM faculty member whose expertise is Chinese American history and literature. Yee was among the founding staff of Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) at CSUSM in 1990 before proceeding to earn a master’s degree in history from the university.

Titled “The Unexpected Story of the San Diego Chinese Community: From Small Chinatown to Thriving Ecosystem,” the talk will celebrate the impact and history of San Diego’s Chinese community from early Chinatown to the places that anchor it today. It also will include photos and a Q&A session with Cassel and Yee.

The event is presented by the House of China in Balboa Park, in collaboration with the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and the Chinese School of San Diego. It includes a light meal.

The cost is free for House of China members, volunteers and students, and $15 for all others.

Advance registration is required because seating is limited. To register, text David Seid at 858-699-1900.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The public talk, titled “Knowledge of AIDS: Civic Participation and Activism,” will take place on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St.

The discussion is being funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that Spieldenner received in 2023. The guests are activists Cecilia Chung, a senior adviser for the Transgender Law Center; and Charles Stephens, the founder and executive director of the Counter Narrative Project; as well as researcher Tonia Poteat, a professor in the Duke University School of Nursing.

The talk is free and open to the community. It’s part of a workshop series sponsored by the NSF’s Knowledge of Aids network.

Spieldenner has been a CSUSM faculty member for almost a decade. HIV-positive since 1998, he has been an advocate for people living with AIDS and HIV for most of his life, and has established himself as a groundbreaking researcher on topics that affect the LGBTQ community.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The program, which will be among the only ones of its kind in San Diego County, is on track to start in spring 2027. It reflects CSUSM’s growing focus on sustainability and the continued demand for double-digit job growth requiring sustainability expertise. 

The specialization in strategic sustainability will prepare students to lead in an era when business success increasingly depends on environmental, social and governance responsibility. This concentration will integrate core business disciplines with sustainability expertise, equipping graduates to align organizational performance with societal well-being and environmental stewardship.

A 2024 feasibility study conducted by MBA students at CSUSM revealed strong regional demand for sustainability-focused business education. Research and employer interviews confirmed that industries from tech to life sciences are actively seeking sustainability-trained leaders.

The SMBA program offers an accelerated MBA designed for recent graduates of all majors. Besides strategic sustainability, the other three specializations are business analytics, international business and supply chain management.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The center, which is nicknamed The Nest, is calling the event “Miiyu: Where Story Lives.” It will take place on Tuesday, March 17 from noon to 2 p.m. in USU 3400.

The open house will offer the campus community a chance to visit the center, learn more about its role in supporting American Indian and Alaska Native students, and recognize the many partnerships and collaborations that contributed to bringing the space to life. The Nest, which opened last fall under assistant director Tommy Devers, serves as a place of connection, cultural grounding, mentorship and community for American Indian students at CSUSM.

The program will begin with a blessing, followed by brief remarks from campus leaders and community partners, and the unveiling of a new mural created by American Indian studies professor Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche) and Lanise Luna (Kuupangaxwichem/Mescalero Apache). The mural reflects the living stories, histories and futures carried by American Indian students and communities connected to the university.

Following the unveiling, guests are invited to stay for a reception and an opportunity to connect with colleagues, students and community members.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP at this link.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

CSUSM is one of eight California State University schools to make the list, which includes the top 250 colleges and universities in the country.

It’s the fifth time that Newsweek has partnered with Statista to honor institutions that offer online degree programs to learners who want to obtain an academic degree, including hybrid programs with online and offline courses or exams.

According to Newsweek, the ranking is built using an online survey of more than 10,000 U.S. citizens who have used online learning services either to earn a degree or to further their knowledge and skills for a job or a hobby. Participants also rated their experiences based on organization, support, price, reputation, success and practical relevance.

Media Contact

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

Samarasinghe was honored with the Truer Than Fiction Award, which is presented to “an emerging director of nonfiction features who has not yet received significant recognition.” The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant; it’s one of only three Independent Spirit Award categories that offer cash prizes in addition to trophies.

The 41^st annual awards ceremony took place Feb. 15 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

A lecturer in CSUSM’s art, media and design department since 2021, Samarasinghe is a Sri Lankan filmmaker and visual artist who left his native country during its civil war and is now based in Southern California.

He was recognized for his feature film debut, “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible,” which was released last year. In the film, he blends interviews, news footage and reenactments to explore the painful history of the 26-year Sri Lankan civil war, in which tens of thousands of people (mostly from the nation’s Tamil minority) are believed to have disappeared, often at the hands of military forces.  

“I’m deeply honored, Samarasinghe said. ”More than recognition of a single project, the award feels like an affirmation of the sustained, often difficult work that politically engaged filmmakers do to sit with difficult histories and keep bringing them into view."

Of the cash prize, he said: “It helps me keep making the kinds of films I want to make – work that isn’t always embraced with open arms, whether because it leans toward the avant-garde or because it confronts difficult, often heavy subjects. It's truly an incredible gift that gives me some freedom and stability to keep taking risks.”

Samarasinghe previously has directed multiple award-winning short films. He earned a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from UC San Diego and a master’s in film and video from the California Institute of the Arts.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306