- Seeking Cannabis Users for Research StudyResearchers at Cal State San Marcos are seeking cannabis users for a study assessing the heart rate and blood pressure responses to smoking legal-market cannabis in free-living humans. You will wear an activity monitor and blood pressure monitor for 24 hours while you smoke cannabis. You will not be provided cannabis for this study. You’ll report to our lab twice to be outfitted for the study and to drop the devices off when the study is over; the total time commitment in the lab will be about one hour. If you are 21-45 years old and have used cannabis at least twice a week for the last year, you are eligible to participate. If you have high blood pressure, use tobacco or take certain medications that impact blood pressure, you are not eligible to participate in this study. If you are unsure, please contact the study team. For more information, please contact Dr. Matt Schubert, associate professor of kinesiology, at mschubert@csusm.edu.
- Professor Launches Signature Poetry Project in San DiegoIn his role as poet laureate of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos professor Jason Magabo Perez has launched a signature project that will explore poetry as a form of community empowerment. The project, San Diego Poetry Futures 2024, invites San Diego communities, educators, artists and civic leaders to collaborate in poetry and performance. It was launched on March 27 at the San Diego Central Library. “San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 will be a collaborative space for ongoing expansive poetic experimentation,” said Perez, an associate professor and program director of ethnic studies at CSUSM. “Exploring poetry as a form of intergenerational community empowerment, this initiative will include various programs and projects to bridge communities.” Perez will host writing workshops, film screenings and poetry readings at schools, libraries, bookstores and other community spaces, and will experiment with poetry and performance through community gatherings such as chalk poetry, protest poetry and pop-up open mic events. Activities and events will be free and open to the public in neighborhoods across San Diego. SDPF24 will culminate at the end of the year in an intergenerational, community-responsive poetry forum. In its commitment to social and transformative justice, SDPF24 will promote safe and inclusive spaces for families and communities. “As poet laureate, Jason continues to tell stories of our great city,” said Jonathon Glus, executive director of Arts and Culture for San Diego. “With this signature poetry project, we look forward to inspiring San Diegans and enjoying their shared expressions of spoken work and performance art.” Perez was named poet laureate by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria in January 2023. His two-year term concludes at the end of this year. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Seeking Cannabis Users for Research StudyResearchers at Cal State San Marcos are seeking cannabis users for a study assessing the heart rate and blood pressure responses to smoking legal-market cannabis in free-living humans. You will wear an activity monitor and blood pressure monitor for 24 hours while you smoke cannabis. You will not be provided cannabis for this study. You’ll report to our lab twice to be outfitted for the study and to drop the devices off when the study is over; the total time commitment in the lab will be about one hour. If you are 21-45 years old and have used cannabis at least twice a week for the last year, you are eligible to participate. If you have high blood pressure, use tobacco or take certain medications that impact blood pressure, you are not eligible to participate in this study. If you are unsure, please contact the study team. For more information, please contact Dr. Matt Schubert, associate professor of kinesiology, at mschubert@csusm.edu.
- Professor Launches Signature Poetry Project in San DiegoIn his role as poet laureate of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos professor Jason Magabo Perez has launched a signature project that will explore poetry as a form of community empowerment. The project, San Diego Poetry Futures 2024, invites San Diego communities, educators, artists and civic leaders to collaborate in poetry and performance. It was launched on March 27 at the San Diego Central Library. “San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 will be a collaborative space for ongoing expansive poetic experimentation,” said Perez, an associate professor and program director of ethnic studies at CSUSM. “Exploring poetry as a form of intergenerational community empowerment, this initiative will include various programs and projects to bridge communities.” Perez will host writing workshops, film screenings and poetry readings at schools, libraries, bookstores and other community spaces, and will experiment with poetry and performance through community gatherings such as chalk poetry, protest poetry and pop-up open mic events. Activities and events will be free and open to the public in neighborhoods across San Diego. SDPF24 will culminate at the end of the year in an intergenerational, community-responsive poetry forum. In its commitment to social and transformative justice, SDPF24 will promote safe and inclusive spaces for families and communities. “As poet laureate, Jason continues to tell stories of our great city,” said Jonathon Glus, executive director of Arts and Culture for San Diego. “With this signature poetry project, we look forward to inspiring San Diegans and enjoying their shared expressions of spoken work and performance art.” Perez was named poet laureate by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria in January 2023. His two-year term concludes at the end of this year. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Career Center Director Helps Put Students on Path to SuccessYasmine Farley was a doctoral student at Old Dominion University when she attended a career fair and met the director of a career center at another regional institution. The woman encouraged Farley to branch out and expand her horizons in higher education. “She coaxed me into trying career services – and I absolutely loved it,” said Farley, who earned a Ph.D. in higher education from Old Dominion University. “From there, I made sure that all of my experiences would be catered toward going into a career in career services. “So I did a second internship at Old Dominion teaching a major and career exploration class on campus. I taught an academic recovery class. I was trying to just gain as much experience as possible with career services to make me a good job candidate once I finished up my degree.” Farley has devoted her career to helping other students find their career path and prepare them for the job market. It’s what she has been doing since August for students at Cal State San Marcos as the director of the university’s Career Center. Among the goals of CSUSM’s strategic plan is ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate in hands-on, engaged learning and high-impact, career-activating practices, something Farley has taken to heart in her first year at the university. A point of emphasis during Farley’s hiring was the need to prioritize academic internships, and the Career Center is in the process of hiring for two positions that will help. The interview process is underway to hire an associate director of internships and partnerships, a role that will focus on reshaping CSUSM’s internship program and aiding the campus employment process. Farley also will be hiring a career and internship support specialist to provide additional student support, advisement and guidance related to academic internships and career pathway planning. “We want to make sure that we have those good partnerships across campus and really get some more external partnerships going to bring more internship opportunities to our students, and specifically paid opportunities that will tie into the social mobility aspect of our strategic planning and the institution in general,” Farley said. Paid internships are important to Farley. As a first-generation college student herself, Farley knows the importance of showing low-income and underrepresented students how internships can boost their future success. It’s part of why she and her team have been working hard to get in front of students, whether at cultural centers, classrooms, campus housing or workshops. “We want to help them understand how important it can be to get an internship and how much it can help them in their future career,” she said. “Because it's all well and good for you to have a job to meet the needs of today, but you're also in college to think about your future and being able to advance yourself and your family. And internships can help in that, which is also why we want to have that emphasis on paid internships because we understand that students may have financial needs and may not have the luxury of taking an unpaid opportunity just to gain experience.” As Farley has been meeting with campus constituents, she has focused on three goals: strengthening relationships with collaborators, both internal and external; enhancing services; and elevating the identity of the Career Center. “There were just some things that I was seeing pretty immediately when I got here that were simple changes to help people know more about what the Career Center is doing,” she said. “And I feel like that has been very helpful with increasing career counselor appointments and attendance at some of our workshops.” That included record-breaking attendance at CSUSM’s fall job and internship fair last October, which drew more than 500 students to the USU Ballroom. Farley is hoping for a similar turnout at the upcoming spring job and internship fair, which is April 9 in the USU Ballroom. “One of the things that I have charged my team with and that I really want to see us grow in with the Career Center is our partnerships across campus,” Farley said. “We are partnering with a lot of our identity centers, we have been going into the residence halls, partnering with RAs and really getting out of the office. We don’t always want to make students come to us, we really want to be able to meet students where they are so that they can get this information in a variety of ways and from myriad places.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Bestselling Author Highlights Spring Arts & LecturesThe signature spring Arts & Lectures event will feature George M. Johnson, a bestselling author who champions for Black and queer representation in literature. As Johnson’s memoir achieved massive success as a New York Times bestseller, it also became the American Library Association’s third-most-challenged book of 2021. But with each shove, Johnson continues to persevere and advocate for Black and queer voices. “Black storytelling has often been banned,” he says. “My book is a tool so that Black queer kids and LGBTQ teens can see themselves and read about themselves and learn about themselves.” Johnson will speak about the importance of sharing diverse stories – why we should remain resilient, how representation in media can support young adults’ mental and physical health, and what we can do to support these voices. By listening to one another and understanding the history, language and actions necessary to change the world, we can form a community where we are all free to be our true, authentic selves. Johnson will be signing copies of “All Boys Aren’t Blue” after the event, which is at 6 p.m. on April 3 in the USU Ballroom. It's co-sponsored by the University Library and Pride Center. Reserve tickets online at the Arts & Lectures website. CSUSM’s Arts & Lectures series offers a diverse lineup of artistic, cultural and scholarly events every semester based on input and proposals from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. What: Arts & Lectures event "An Evening With George M. Johnson, author of ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ ” Who: George M. Johnson, bestselling author When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 3 Where: USU Ballroom Cost: Free for CSUSM students; $5 for faculty, staff and alumni; $10 for community members Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-george-m-johnson-author-of-all-boys-arent-blue-tickets-795743810157?aff=oddtdtcreator Information: Arts and Lectures website Media Contact Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM to Host Annual College Is for Me! Conference April 20Cal State San Marcos is hosting the College Is for Me! conference, a free event to show how higher education can lead to social mobility, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 20 in the USU Ballroom. The College Is for Me! conference annually attracts students from throughout San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, helping to educate mostly first-generation prospective college students and their families about the college process. The conference features topics such as getting into college, paying for college and what college can do for you. "College Is for Me! was a beautiful event that highlighted the multitude of higher ed opportunities in our region,” Tina King, president of the San Diego College of Continuing Education, said about a previous edition. Not only will the event help rising college students with the transition process, but in conjunction with Earth Day, the conference this year also will address how college can support careers in sustainable professions, research and advocacy. “I feel a lot more prepared for the application process after today,” said Ben Tactay, a former Escondido High School student who attended a past event. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. The conference is co-sponsored by CSUSM's Early Assessment Program, Escondido Compact, Gear Up, MiraCosta College, Oceanside Unified and Project Rebound. Register for free at this link. What: College Is for Me!, a free conference to show how higher education can lead to social mobility When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 20 Where: USU Ballroom Cost: Free Registration: https://collegeisforme2024.bpt.me/
- Information on Annual Staff and MPP Performance EvaluationsAs employees of CSUSM, we each serve an important role in furthering the mission and vision of the university. One of the ways in which we can align our work with the mission of the university is through a collaborative, ongoing process of performance management whereby managers and employees plan for, monitor and review objectives and goals set for the employee’s success. Annual performance reviews are a key component of this process. The annual review period for non-probationary represented staff employees is April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. The completed evaluations, with accompanying Performance Development or Improvement Plan as applicable, should be submitted to the Office of Human Resources no later than June 7, 2024. The annual review period for MPP employees ends on April 30. The completed evaluations, submitted via MPP evaluation form or brief narrative, should be sent to the Office of Human Resources no later than June 28. As a reminder, each employee evaluation should include either a professional development plan or a performance improvement plan. We have included links below to better assist you: Electronic performance evaluation signature and submission instructions: https://www.csusm.edu/hr/performance_management/performance_eval/evaluation_signature_instructions.pdf Performance evaluation schedule: https://www.csusm.edu/hr/performance_management/annual_performance_evaluation_schedule.html Performance evaluation forms: https://www.csusm.edu/hr/performance_management/performance_evaluation_forms.html Don’t hesitate to reach out to Human Resources (hr@csusm.edu) or Pablo Chavez (pchavez@csusm.edu) with any questions.
- Celebrating GAyPRIL With More Than Two Dozen EventsIn celebration of gAyPRIL, Cal State San Marcos’ Pride Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. Everyone is invited to participate in the following events: Poster Making April 2, 8-11 a.m., Pride Center Visit the Pride Center to make posters for the Pride Walk at noon. HIV/HEP C testing April 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Forum Plaza The Vista Community Clinic testing van will be in Forum Plaza offering free HIV/HEP C testing and health education. Pride Walk/Flag Raising April 2, 11:30 a.m., Forum Plaza/Chavez Circle Students, staff, faculty and administrators will gather in front of the USU and walk the campus to show support for CSUSM's LGBTQiA+ community members. An Evening With George M. Johnson, Author of “All Boys Aren't Blue” April 3, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom Johnson’s memoir has achieved massive success. A New York Times bestseller, it also was the American Library Association’s third-most-challenged book of 2021. Johnson will speak about the importance of sharing diverse voices and listening to others. He will be signing books afterward. The event will be preceded by a meet-and-greet with Johnson from 3-4:30 in the Pride Center. Make Your Own Pronoun Pins April 4, 11 a.m., Pride Center Visit the Pride Center to create your own pronoun pin. Uniedo Cultura y Eduacion April 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Forum Plaza/USU Arcade Come celebrate Latinidad, an evening of Latinx culture and education. There will be a keynote speaker, and Latinx resources and departments on campus will be showcased. Queer Scrapbooking April 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Pride Center Join the Pride Center for a chill DIY session of scrapbooking, using queer magazines and fun crafting tools to make collages. History of Drag and Ballroom April 8, noon-1 p.m., Pride Center Delve into the rich culture of the New York ballroom scene, highlighting the contributions of the Black queer community in creating many of the foundations of modern queer culture. Black Pride April 10, 11 a.m.-noon, Pride Center In highlighting the Black queer experience, discussion will focus on key Black figures in the queer liberation movement and center the experience of Black queer students at CSUSM. Queer POC Karaoke April 10, 5-7 p.m., Pride Center Sing your hearts out for Queer POC music artists after listening to an important presentation highlighting queer artists who have changed the music world. Rainbow Ripples (Tie-Dye Event) April 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Pride Center Join the Pride Center in creating your own gAyPRIL tie-dye item. T-shirts will be provided, or bring your own item. KPOP Dance Party April 11, 6-8 p.m., Pride Center Learn some choreography and play random dance party while acknowledging queer icons in the KPOP industry. LGBTQ+ in Latin America April 16, noon-1 p.m., Latinx Center In collaboration with the Latinx Center, the Pride Center invites you to learn about the history of queer representation in Latin America, noting the importance of pronouns and major events through an intersectional lens. Toy Talk April 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Pride Center An inclusive evening with sex therapist/educator Sandra focusing on gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. Long Live Queen April 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Pride Center Explore the history of the band Queen and the impact that Freddie Mercury had on the queer community. The event also will touch on the band's new front man, Adam Lambert, and how he is continuing the legacy. LGBTea With the Director April 17, noon-1 p.m., Pride Center Come learn about the director of the Pride Center as they “spill the tea." They will be answering questions about their experiences and what they have learned throughout their life. Cookies and Queers April 18, noon-1 p.m., Pride Center The Pride Faculty Staff Association will sponsor a cookies-and-milk mixer, giving students the opportunity to meet their members. Steers & Queers April 18, 6-8 p.m., USU An educational event hosted by the Pride Center about LGBT rodeo, the queer community involved in rodeo and queer western culture. Students will be taught and get to practice western dancing. Food will be served. Sexual Health Presentation April 22, noon-1 p.m., Pride Center Vista Community Clinic will provide a workshop on sexual health for the LGBTQiA+ community. Rainbow Recognition April 22, 5:30 p.m., USU Ballroom The Pride Center will host its annual celebration for LGBTQIA+ students who are graduating in 2024. Students earn a rainbow cord and/or stole and are celebrated for their accomplishments at CSUSM. Slam Poetry Event April 23, noon, Pride Center Participants have the opportunity to express their unique experiences and perspectives through poetry. A nationally recognized slam poetry performer, Espi (he/she/they) will take part in the event. Inclusive Language April 23, 2-3 p.m. An event that is geared toward promoting a more inclusive environment around campus. ‘Drag Race’ Viewing Party April 24, 10 a.m.-noon, Pride Center Join the Pride Center for a viewing party of the “RuPaul's Drag Race” season 16 finale. Found Family Feud: Queer Edition April 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Pride Center Team up with friends and compete against others in this queer edition of “Family Feud.” Vibrant Voices April 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pride Center Join the Pride Center to paint a bench that will be donated to campus. EMS Pride Day April 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., USU Ballroom, Pride Center A day for LGBTQiA+ students to visit campus and make their decision to attend in fall 2024. HIV/HEP C Testing April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Forum Plaza The Vista Community Clinic testing van will be in Forum Plaza offering free HIV/HEP C testing and health education. SLC Banquet April 30, 5-7 p.m., McMahan House The students of the Student Life Centers for Identity, Inclusion and Empowerment come together to celebrate the 2023-24 school year. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Student Team Among H20 Impact Challenge WinnersA team of Cal State San Marcos students was recently honored in multiple categories at the SDSU Chinyeh Hostler Social Venture: H20 Impact Challenge. The event, hosted by San Diego State, is a pitch competition based on identifying a significant problem related to the impact of water on the region. Competitors then present an innovative solution to the problem. CSUSM’s winning team included biotechnology master’s student Kanav Aggarwal and undergraduates Ashley Gamez (marketing) and Bella Bowman (digital art). Aggarwal is the inventor of ChloroBoost and presented the pitch during the competition. The team won $2,000 for the most innovative solution of the competition and second place overall. ChloroBoost focuses on conserving water in agriculture, an industry in which 40% of water usage occurs. ChloroBoost improves water retention in soil. Farmers put biofertilizer in their fields, let it dry and then can grow their crops like usual. Doing this can reduce wastewater by half, ultimately improving soil quality. The CSUSM team was among nine teams from five Southern California colleges and universities that competed for a total of $40,000 in cash prizes. The team won a total of $9,500 for its presentation. The team ended its competition presentation by proposing a two-year plan, including testing and studies, that would end with a regional launch in December 2025. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Updates to Web and Instructional Materials AccessibilityCSUSM is committed to ensuring that the campus web environment is accessible to everyone. The following procedure updates are part of the continuous improvement process for creating an inclusive environment for the campus community. IITS wants to make sure that you are aware of these changes and understand how they might impact you. To learn more, please visit the informational websites linked below. Web Accessibility Checker Software (coming May 2024) Guidance for Websites Used for Student Instruction (updated March 2024) Process for External Website Domain Request (March 2024) Website Document Scanning (updated March 2024) Training for Creating Accessible Documents (updated March 2024) Guidance for Linking to External Websites (March 2024) Notification Icon for External Websites (March 2024) Instructional Materials Accessibility (updated March 2024) Instructions for Deleting or Downloading Unused Files from Canvas (updated March 2024) Website Accessibility Training (coming May 2024) If you have any questions or require assistance during the process, please reach out to the IITS support team at helpdesk@csusm.edu.
- Infinity Lab Experience Invaluable for Biotech StudentShruti Jha knew an internship would provide valuable experience as she prepares for a career in the biotechnology industry. But working for Alcheme Bio in Cal State San Marcos’ Infinity Lab has exceeded all of Jha’s expectations. Not only has it provided hands-on learning opportunities, but Jha has been able to work closely with and learn from Vanessa Small, the founder, chief executive officer and chief scientific officer of Alcheme Bio. “I knew since it was a startup that I would get to do a lot more than if I was at a bigger company, but the experience has been amazing,” said Jha, who will graduate from CSUSM with a master’s in biotechnology in May. “Working with Vanessa has been especially helpful. She is a great mentor.” CSUSM’s Infinity Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility that launched last spring to offer affordable bench space for bioentrepreneurs. Alcheme Bio is one of four bioscience entrepreneurs that are part of the lab along with Grann Pharmaceuticals, Indaptus Therapeutics and GSD Bio. The Infinity Lab’s convenient location in CSUSM’s Extended Learning building, ready availability of research equipment and instrumentation, and collaborative environment are key elements of the laboratory’s success. Originally designed as a teaching space, the university pivoted because of the pandemic and reimagined the Infinity Lab as part of its innovation ecosystem under the direction of Dr. Scott Gross, associate vice president of industry partnerships, and Dr. Betsy Read, the founder of the university’s biotechnology program. They’ve received added assistance from Debora Galasso, a 25-year veteran of the biotech industry who is a lecturer in the Master of Biotechnology: A Professional Science Master’s program. The lab has become the perfect place for students like Jha to gain real-world experience while learning from seasoned professionals like Small. “Vanessa is very patient,” Jha said. “Even though she's the CEO, she is very much willing to teach me and to answer questions.” Growing up in India, Jha was always interested in biology and initially considered pursuing a career as a doctor. But her interests shifted more to research and studying how things work and why they work in a particular manner. Jha earned her bachelor’s in biotechnology from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi in India. She chose CSUSM for her master’s degree both because of its location in a hub for biotechnology and its strong program that combines science and management. The master’s program requirements include completing a semester-in-residence project, and Jha learned about the Infinity Lab from Read, who recommended reaching out to Alcheme Bio. Jha’s lab work includes protein purification, extracting protein, and trying to grow it and scale it up. She said the experience has been invaluable as she works toward finding a job in industry after graduation in May. “It has been so great, especially for me being an international student,” Jha said. “This opportunity was perfect for me, and I'm grateful to Alcheme Bio.” Visit the Infinity Lab website to learn more about joining the lab. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Students to Vote on Referendum for New Wellness and Recreation FacilityNext month, Cal State San Marcos students will have a chance to make their voices heard regarding their desire for a new wellness and recreation facility on campus. From April 9-11, a referendum will be held in which students can vote on whether they want to increase their student fees to fund the project. Voting will begin on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 a.m. and be open until Thursday, April 11 at 5 p.m. Ballots will be sent to eligible students via their university-registered email addresses. All matriculated students who pay the recreation fee are eligible to vote. The wellness and recreation facility would be the first of its kind in the California State University system. The referendum is proposing to lease about 60,000 square feet of space in a new multi-phase student housing building on Barham Drive, next to The QUAD housing complex. The facility is envisioned as a central hub dedicated to lifelong success, bringing together health, wellness, basic needs and student support services and programs that create a sense of community and well-being. The current recreation fee for students is $35 per semester. The direct operating costs for the facility require the fee to be fully active when the building opens, at minimum. Because the facility is anticipated to open in fall 2026, the fee is proposed to increase to $265 starting a year before, in fall 2025. The additional fee revenue will support the purchase of furniture and equipment, and fund the pre-opening hires of full-time and part-time staff, the training of part-time student staff, and the development of branding and materials. Each subsequent fall semester, the fee would increase by 3% to adjust for inflation and increases in the expense budget, which is standard practice in the CSU. During the summer term, the fee would be 25% that of the prior fall semester fee. The wellness and recreation facility would provide student-oriented spaces and services to support all Cougars while promoting the eight dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, social, spiritual, financial, intellectual, environmental and occupational). “With a diverse student body, CSUSM stands committed to prioritizing physical and mental wellness as vital components to student development and providing valuable access to resources for students to learn and develop long-term healthy behaviors,” said Lisa Dickinson, the director of Campus Recreation. Among the proposed features of the facility are: more than 10,000 square feet for cardio machines and strength training equipment (more than triple the space of the fitness center in Clarke Field House). dedicated wellness areas that include mindful reflection space, comfortable lounge seating and massage chairs for students to relax and rest. an outdoor rooftop deck featuring a synthetic turf field for fitness programs, intramurals, sport club workouts, team-building, student organization events or other student activities. two standard-sized indoor courts suitable for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and events, with a spectator viewing area. three multipurpose rooms featuring flexible flooring for a variety of individual and group activities, including Zumba, hip-hop dance, strength-based cardio, yoga, Pilates or mindfulness/meditation sessions. multiple activity rooms and gathering areas to accommodate a wide range of wellness programming. an esports digital collaboration area for gaming practice, competitions, spectator viewing, studying and socializing. an outdoor courtyard of over 8,000 square feet with hammocks and a wood deck patio. CSUSM students have advocated for increased wellness, basic needs and recreational spaces and services to support campus community for almost a decade. Since 2019, working groups of students and staff have been tasked to identify ways to achieve this goal. The effort has included two student surveys garnering almost 2,500 responses and multiple focus groups and forums with more than 250 students, staff and administrators. Recent data suggests that student interest and desire for the expansion of wellness, fitness, basic needs and recreation remain overwhelming. In a survey last fall, 91% of students said a new facility should be a high priority for CSUSM, with 53% indicating a “very high” priority. Asked about the impact that a new facility could have on students and the university community, more than 90% of students surveyed said it would make a significant or moderate impact on attracting new students, improving students’ quality of life, reducing stress and overall enhancing the campus community. More than 50 student ambassadors are leading the campaign to educate and inform students about the fee referendum and encourage them to use their voice by voting. “I am excited for the chance to see our campus grow and compete with CSU schools that have established recreation and wellness facilities,” said Alyssa Loschiavo, Campus Recreation student coordinator and a student ambassador. "This project can be monumental for CSUSM and inspiring for students to look back on helping bring the facility to campus, and I am proud to be a part of it.” For more information, including the complete voters guide and a list of FAQs about the referendum, go to: https://www.csusm.edu/rec/referendum.html. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Celebrating APIDA Heritage MonthIn celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ APIDA Student Life is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. Everyone is invited to participate in the following events: Defining Diaspora: “Philippine Father” March 25, noon, Cross-Cultural Center (USU 3400) Join APIDA Student Life as Michael Flores, the director of the documentary “Philippine Father,” discusses his experiences and his works centered around racism, class and imperialism. APIDA Cultural Festival April 12, 5 p.m., USU Amphitheater The festival is an annual celebration of cultures that are a part of Asia, Southeast and South Asia. Similar to the night markets that are part of those communities, the festival recreates those spaces that are filled with food, festivities and entertainment. Defining Diaspora: Rolling Into Spring April 17, 3 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center Join APIDA Student Life to make spring rolls from scratch and learn the cultural significance of the ingredients. ‘SEADRIFT’ Screening and Talk With the Associate Producer April 17, 6 p.m., USU 2310B Join APIDA Student Life for a screening of the documentary film “Seadrift.” Defining Diaspora: Harvesting Hope-Empowering Filipino Farmworkers April 25, noon, Cross-Cultural Center Join APIDA Student Life as it highlights the contributions of Filipino organizations in the wider farmworkers movement. Ti Leaf Lei Workshop May 1, noon, Forum Plaza Learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian Ti leaf lei. All leis made will be given to the graduates participating in the APIDA Recognition Ceremony on May 8. APIDA Recognition Ceremony May 8, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom This is the 18th annual APIDA recognition ceremony, celebrating the students who graduated in fall 2023 and applied to graduate in spring 2024 or summer 2024. Participants will receive a free APIDA stole. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM Achieves STARS Gold Rating for SustainabilityCal State San Marcos recently achieved STARS gold status in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS is short for the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, which measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. The self-assessment system, which includes more than 900 participants in 40 countries, measures and encourages stability in aspects of higher education. Participants are rated in the areas of academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. “STARS is the most comprehensive benchmarking and rating tool for sustainability in higher education institutions,” said Juliana Goodlaw-Morris, CSUSM’s director of sustainability and climate justice. “Thus, this report validates and showcases areas within sustainability we are doing really well and opportunities for growth. "It truly is a campus-wide effort since our reporting covers academics, engagement, leadership, innovation and operations. As we continue to move the needle on sustainability at CSUSM, we will be rolling out a ‘pathway to platinum’ that will showcase our opportunities to further integrate sustainability into the fabric of our campus.” The STARS program is designed to build a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community, facilitate information sharing about higher education sustainability practices and performance, and provide incentives for continual improvement for sustainability. AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM Receives Two Gifts Totaling $20 Million, Largest in 35-Year HistoryIn a historic moment, Cal State San Marcos has announced two philanthropic donations totaling $20 million – the largest gifts in its 35-year history. A transformative grant of $10 million from Price Philanthropies Foundation will create a first-of-its-kind, three-year accelerated bachelor's degree and workforce pipeline for behavioral and mental health. As part of this groundbreaking milestone and becoming the largest donors to CSUSM, visionary philanthropist Daniel J. Epstein – a director of the CSUSM Foundation Board – and his wife, Phyllis, have committed to an additional gift of $10 million. Their contribution will serve as a unique dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity for all CSUSM donors to double their impact across campus. “Phyllis and I are incredibly impressed by CSUSM and President Ellen Neufeldt’s strong commitment to bridge the opportunity gap and create a more equitable and inclusive San Diego,” Daniel Epstein said. “As a regionally focused university with a highly diverse student population, CSUSM is one of the most transformative institutions in the Southern California region, impacting lives and entire communities. We are proud to pledge our support and we hope community members will join us.” The matching gift from the Epsteins will create a ripple effect, reaching into the core of CSUSM’s mission of student success and fortifying an era of unprecedented innovation to advance social mobility. Investments stemming from this gift will have a direct and positive impact on funding to support the people, places and programs of CSUSM’s upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign. This unparalleled opportunity presents a landmark moment for donors to double their impact, providing meaningful and transformational investments at CSUSM now and for future generations. “We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary investments in our students and community made possible by Dan and Phyllis Epstein and the Price Philanthropies Foundation,” Neufeldt said. “With CSUSM being a national leader in social mobility, the one-to-one matching philanthropic gift will catapult our campaign efforts to support critical student success initiatives. Having their confidence in CSUSM has already inspired generous supporters in our community. I am proud to partner with Price Philanthropies on such a powerful new workforce-connected accelerated bachelor’s degree program, bringing a first-of-its-kind model into the state of California to address surging behavioral and mental health employment demands.” Through the partnership with Price Philanthropies — which is committed to transforming the lives of youth and families — this multiyear program grant invests in the most urgent workforce needs in the behavioral and mental health industry. Amid an environment where the need for mental health and wellness services for children and families has increased exponentially, San Diego Workforce Partnership reports that San Diego County will require more than 18,000 new qualified mental health professionals by 2027. The funding will help embed dual enrollment, professional certificates and enhanced career preparation in a three-year degree pathway. This innovative approach expedites the placement of qualified people into critical roles with an escalated earning potential, a perfect example of social mobility in action. “We are extremely grateful to President Neufeldt and her team for their partnership in creating an accelerated pathway for students to earn a bachelor's degree in three years rather than the traditional four or more years. This innovative and potentially revolutionary approach to higher education offers the potential for students to complete their undergraduate work in less time and be better prepared to enter the workforce,” said Robert and Allison Price. “We believe that the three-year bachelor's degree program can become a model that can be replicated not only in the field of health care but also in many other occupational disciplines.” The degree pathway will provide hundreds of students with immersive, hands-on experiences through internships, simulations and real-world projects, allowing them to graduate in fewer than four years and directly enter the region’s workforce. The program is being meticulously crafted to align with the evolving needs of the mental and behavioral health field by integrating industry insights, expert guidance and tailored coursework. This model emulates the vision and purpose of CSUSM to lift its students, their families and the region, bolstering the university’s standing among the top 1% nationally in social mobility. To be a part of the unique Epstein family match for student success and social mobility and to help shape the future of the university, CSUSM invites the community to participate. To learn more, contact Jessica Berger, vice president for University Advancement, at jmberger@csusm.edu. Media Contact Haley Wonsley, Communications and Marketing Director, University Advancement hwonsley@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7342
- Amateur Radio Club, Other Orgs Aim to Fund ProjectsBuilding radios may have started as a hobby when Jerald Pinter was a child, but it also became one of his inspirations for pursuing a career in engineering. Though Pinter is now retired as an engineer and engineering manager, he’s helping to prepare the next generation of scientists as a lecturer in Cal State San Marcos’ College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Knowing firsthand how challenging science courses can be, Pinter wanted to find an outlet for students, leading to the founding last fall of CSUSM’s Amateur Radio Club. “These students are grinding through a really tough curriculum,” Pinter said. “I want them to have some fun and be able to be hands on and build something. Instead of grueling equations, they get to just have some fun tinkering with stuff in the lab.” When the club launched, Pinter thought that maybe two or three students would show up. Instead, there are more than 20 who regularly attend the weekly Thursday meetings in the Viasat Engineering Pavilion. Though most are electrical engineering majors, the club is open to any student interested in learning how to build a radio (follow the club on Instagram @Radio_Club.CSUSM for more information). The Amateur Radio Club is one of 13 groups participating in Cougar Crowdfunding Student Org Month. Throughout March, donors can make a difference in the lives of students by supporting these student-run organizations. The Amateur Radio Club, which gained official student organization status this semester, is trying to raise funds to pay for amateur radio licensing testing for its members, equipment, materials to build radios, and radio equipment to start a CSUSM amateur radio station. While Pinter serves as the Amateur Radio Club’s faculty adviser, the organization has a team of four student leaders: Noah Bills, president; Blake Stenson, vice president; Kurt Williams, treasurer; and Erin Obmina-Josue, social media director. “The club is really good for professional development and it's a good résumé builder for the students,” Williams said. “It provides good connections, too. We've had partners from outside come in, and they're willing to come in and talk to everybody about things like engineering and professional development.” Cougar Crowdfunding projects are managed by the Office of Annual Giving Programs. For questions or to submit a project for consideration, contact Digital Giving Specialist Alex Perkins at aperkins@csusm.edu or (760) 750-8895. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
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