- Banned Books in Spotlight for Common ReadThe university library kicked off this year's Common Read in front of Kellogg Library on Thursday, Aug. 29, by giving students free books that are a part of this year's selected material. For the third straight year, Cal State San Marcos is bringing attention to banned books. Common Read annually gives students an opportunity to connect with and grow understanding of other communities. This year's selected books focus on African American, Latinx, Asian American, American Indian, LGBTQ and other characters, or challenge the status quo. These books are some of the thousands that have been banned across schools and libraries in America. Many of the books banned center around marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA persons and people of color. Banned Books Week takes place at the end of the month, and CSUSM’s library will be hosting several events that coincide with the week. This year's five Common Read books that the committee selected include: “Baddawi” by Leila Abdelrazaq “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison “An Indigenous People's History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi “V for Vendetta” by Alan Moore “It’s important for students to know that books are being banned here in California, not just in faraway places, and what that means for them,” said Allison Carr, CSUSM’s academic transitions librarian. “Reading books written by diverse authors opens up our perspectives to different lived experiences, which build empathy. Books written by authors from historically marginalized groups are disproportionately targeted for censorship to keep people from building that empathy, which keeps us divided.” This year's Banned Books Week will take place Sept. 23-27, and the library will have another book giveaway on Sept. 24. There will also be a Graphic Book Novel Club meeting on Sept. 26 where students can attend a discussion about the history of censorship of comic books and graphic novels. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM Among Top Schools in Washington Monthly RankingsCal State San Marcos was ranked 27th out of 200 colleges listed in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck: West” rankings. For this ranking, the magazine looked at social mobility, research, and community and national service. CSUSM also placed 38th in Washington Monthly ranking of 589 colleges that award a significant number of master’s degrees. CSUSM was also ranked a Tier 1 school in Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index, which highlights schools that are among the nation’s best at social mobility. The Tier 1 ranking goes to universities that perform the best at providing economic benefits to students who need them the most. The EMI uses data from the most recent College Scorecard combined with data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. CSUSM is ranked second in California by Teacher Certification Degrees, a leading education resource, for schools that provide the most affordable Master of Education program. Multiple college rankings have come out recently in which Cal State San Marcos stands out. Just last week, the Wall Street Journal ranked CSUSM 97th out of 500 in the nation when judged on different factors of student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. Over the summer, CSUSM received four out of a possible five stars on Money magazine's list of “Best Colleges in America" for 2024. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CCP Hosts Conference on Transforming Higher EdThe Center for Contemplative Practices (CCP) hosted people from across the country for its inaugural three-day conference in June to join and listen to presentations centered on the theme “Transforming Higher Education Through Contemplative Practices.” Ranjeeta Basu, faculty director of the CCP, noted that “the unprecedented events of the last several years have made it evident that we need to prepare ourselves and our students to be resilient in the face of constant uncertainty. Research has demonstrated that contemplative practices can expand our capacity for compassion, focus and resilience.” There were 20 presentations that included 20-minute research presentations, 30-minute interactive practice sessions and 90-minute workshops or sessions that combined practice with research findings. Nine of the presentations were by CSUSM faculty and students and 11 were by faculty and students from other universities across the country. The program also included eight student presenters. The conference also feature a keynote speaker, Rhonda Magee, a professor of law at the University of San Francisco who is also trained in sociology and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The long-term goal of the conference was to create a contemplative community of educators, scholars and practitioners that can nourish and sustain teaching, research, service and personal practice. Some other common themes that were discussed centered on connection, compassion, social justice and community. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM Welcomes High School Students Into Dual Enrollment ProgramStudents in Vista Unified School District can now enroll in college while still in high school. The district, in partnership with Cal State San Marcos, on Friday celebrated a new dual enrollment program through which students can take college courses that earn credits toward two new undergraduate degrees at CSUSM. As part of a unique program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at CSUSM – Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs – students at Rancho Buena Vista High School can earn college credit, giving them an early start toward a bachelor’s degree. Courses completed count toward two specialized undergraduate degrees in health and wellness designed to allow students to obtain a degree in as little as three years. One is in public health and the other in human development with a concentration in counseling. To kick off the program, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt and campus leaders from Vista Unified School District held a welcoming ceremony Friday for 22 students from Rancho Buena Vista. “I am thrilled to welcome these students to the Cougar family,” Neufeldt said. “With social mobility a part of everything we do, this program is our mission in action. We want students to know they have a path to college and into a career that can transform their lives, their families and their communities.” The degrees are focused on careers and preparing students for the workforce in health and wellness. In addition to a degree, students will graduate with the requirements to obtain in-demand professional certification. Public health students will complete the requirements for a Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certificate to work as community health educators in various settings. Human development students will complete the requirements to become a wellness coach, which qualifies them in California to provide mental health and wellness support for children and young adults. These certificates set graduates up for advanced work and higher salaries after graduation. “I hope that these students have the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive to go into a career that not only pays them a living wage, but that they are able to live comfortably here in San Diego and that they have a job,” said Cipriano Vargas, a member of the Vista Unified Board of Education and a CSUSM alumnus. “The County of San Diego needs mental behavior health workers, and this program is helping to accomplish that.” The degrees are also designed to be highly supportive of students. For example, students can receive funding in the summer to complete internships that prepare them for careers in health and wellness when they graduate. Students also progress through their courses with a cohort of fellow students, within a supportive community of expert faculty. As part of this program, CSUSM also offers specialized career advising, employer networking and guest speakers to help students find a position and start their careers upon graduation. According to a recent San Diego Workforce Partnership report, the San Diego region needs an additional 18,500 behavioral health professionals to meet industry demands. The dual enrollment program will provide a direct pipeline to support the much-needed workforce.
- Statewide Flex Alert IssuedWith above-normal temperatures in the forecast for much of the state, the California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) has issued a statewide flex alert to avoid blackout/brownout events. You may notice reduced lighting levels and slightly warmer temperatures in classrooms and offices beginning this afternoon tentatively through Sept. 12. These changes will not affect any critical campus operations. We ask the campus community to assist us in our efforts to reduce our energy load by turning off AND unplugging unnecessary equipment/devices, and closing window coverings. Thank you for your support and understanding.
- CSUSM Partners With WRP to Help Students With DisabilitiesCal State San Marcos recently became a partner campus with the Workforce Recruitment Program, which connects students with disabilities to career development and potential employment opportunities. The program creates a database for federal and select private-sector employers nationwide to help college students and recent graduates with disabilities find a potential job. As a partner campus, CSUSM conducts outreach to eligible students and encourages them to apply to participate in the WRP. WRP candidates have been hired by many federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. More than 400 colleges and universities each year are invited to participate in the recruitment process. As a partner campus, CSUSM is opening up doors of opportunities for those with disabilities to gain helpful access to the workforce. "I am thrilled to bring the Workforce Recruitment Program to the CSUSM Career Center,” Career Center Director Yasmine Farley said. “This program is a powerful tool for connecting students with disabilities to meaningful career opportunities and internships. By participating, our students will gain invaluable exposure to a broad range of employers and showcase their skills on a national stage. It's crucial for fostering inclusivity and providing equal access to career development resources for all our students." To be eligible to register, candidates must be current, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students with a disability, or have graduated within two and a half years of the release of the database each December. WRP is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Support Services Center.
- CSUSM to Welcome High School Students to Dual Enrollment ProgramStudents in Vista Unified School District can now enroll in college while still in high school. The district, in partnership with Cal State San Marcos, is rolling out a new dual enrollment program through which students can take college courses that earn credits toward two new undergraduate degrees at CSUSM. As part of a unique program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at CSUSM – Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs – students at Rancho Buena Vista High School can earn college credit, giving them an early start toward a bachelor’s degree. Courses completed count toward two specialized undergraduate degrees in health and wellness designed to allow students to obtain a degree in as little as three years. One is in public health and the other in human development with a concentration in counseling. “This program allows students to accelerate their career journey in mental and behavioral health through an innovative three-year degree pathway. Starting in high school, students begin earning college credit and will finish with a bachelor’s degree and embedded professional certificates to give them a competitive advantage in the workplace,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “CSUSM is focused on social mobility and empowering students to transform their lives, their families and their communities through the power of higher education. This program is our newest effort to fulfill this mission.” To kick off the program, Neufeldt and other campus leaders from CSUSM and the Vista Unified School District will participate in a welcoming ceremony for the students on Friday at noon. "We are thrilled to partner with Cal State San Marcos in order to expand educational pathways for students so that they reach for our vision to become resilient, agile learners and creative problem-solvers who navigate the world with confidence and kindness and eagerly embrace local and global challenges,” said Dr. Matt Doyle, superintendent of Vista Unified. The degrees are focused on careers and preparing students for the workforce in health and wellness. In addition to a degree, students will graduate with the requirements to obtain in-demand professional certification. Public health students will complete the requirements for a Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certificate to work as community health educators in various settings. Human development students will complete the requirements to become a wellness coach, which qualifies them in California to provide mental health and wellness support for children and young adults. These certificates set graduates up for advanced work and higher salaries after graduation. The degrees are also designed to be highly supportive of students. For example, students can receive funding in the summer to complete internships that prepare them for careers in health and wellness when they graduate. Students also progress through their courses with a cohort of fellow students, within a supportive community of expert faculty. As part of this program, CSUSM also offers specialized career advising, employer networking and guest speakers to help students find a position and start their careers upon graduation. According to a recent San Diego Workforce Partnership report, the San Diego region needs an additional 18,500 behavioral health professionals to meet industry demands. The dual enrollment program will provide a direct pipeline to support the much-needed workforce. What: Student welcoming ceremony When: Friday, Sept. 6, noon-12:30 p.m. Where: Rancho Buena Vista High School, 1601 Longhorn Drive, Vista, CA 92081 Parking: Available at the school More information: All visitors should check in at the front desk.
- CSUSM Ranks Among Nation's BestCal State San Marcos is ranked 97th in the nation in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.,” which ranks the top 500 universities. The Wall Street Journal determined the rankings based on data collected in three main categories: student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. The newspaper notes that the rankings measure “how well each college sets graduates up for financial success.” They examine how much a university improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earnings, balancing those outcomes with feedback from students on college life. There are additional categories in which universities are ranked based on student experience, best salaries, social mobility and overall best value. CSUSM placed highly in those categories, including: 19th in social mobility 51st in student experience 57th in best value 83rd in best salaries Over the summer, CSUSM received four out of a possible five stars on Money magazine's list of “Best Colleges in America" for 2024. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSTEM Programs Receive Accreditation From Worldwide AgencyThree programs in Cal State San Marcos’ College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) have received accreditation from a worldwide agency, giving them a stamp of approval that will benefit both the college and its students. The programs of computer science, electrical engineering and software engineering recently learned that they have been accredited by ABET, which originally stood for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology but has used just the acronym since 2005. ABET, based in Baltimore, accredits college and university programs in the disciplines of applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. It has accredited more than 4,500 programs at 920 colleges and universities in 42 countries. “This validation that we have built programs worthy of ABET accreditation reinforces our commitment to student success and to preparing our students for high-demand fulfilling careers in our region,” said Jackie Trischman, dean of CSTEM. The accreditation is retroactive to CSUSM’s first graduating classes for software engineering and electrical engineering, and to the class of 2021 for computer science. Trischman said the application process took years, and included hiring of a consultant for one of the programs and hosting ABET officials for a three-day campus visit last fall. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates who are ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public. ABET reviews examine program curricula, faculty, facilities and institutional support, and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the appropriate disciplines. Many jobs with government-sponsored agencies and certain types of companies only hire students who graduated from ABET-accredited programs. “This will help us to show our community that we have high-quality programs,” Trischman said. “It will help with recruitment and with securing positions for internships and jobs for our graduates.” The accreditation process for CSUSM was led by Dr. Simon Fan for B.S. in Computer Science and B.S. in Software Engineering, and Dr. Reza Kamali for B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Ali Ahmadinia, then the chair of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (where computer science and software engineering are offered), assisted in organizing the faculty for those programs and securing the necessary resources. Dr. Ricardo Fierro, former associate dean of CSTEM, did crucial coordination and administrative work along with Dana Edstrom, administrative coordinator; Courtney Dow, contract specialist in the College; and Jessica Faulkner, assistant to the dean. Trischman emphasized, however, that it was a team effort involving students, staff, the faculty in each program, administration and industry partners. This fall, CSUSM has almost 300 electrical engineering students, 170 software engineering students and more than 1,000 computer science students. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Celebrating Latinx Heritage MonthIn celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ Latinx Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. The month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and diverse backgrounds of Hispanic-identifying people. Everyone is invited to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month events. Latinx Heritage Month Reception Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5-8:30 p.m., Forum Plaza Kick off Latinx Heritage Month with cultural music, a speaker, games, student org tabling, food and performances. Chingona Fest Tuesday, Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. brunch event, 5-8 p.m. festival event, USU Ballroom Join the Latinx Center and Women and Gender Equity Center for Chingona Fest to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. My Culture is not a Trend Tuesday, Sept. 24, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) Learn about problematic stigmas that society creates and the inappropriate portrayal of members in the Latinx community. Shared Roots (in collaboration with APIDA) Wednesday, Oct. 2, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) APIDA and Latinx communities will explore shared roots. Cafecito Con Pan Tuesday, Oct. 8, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) Students will hear from success coaches Samantha Bosch and Elizabeth Hernandez. Joteria Night (in collaboration with PRIDE) Thursday, Oct. 10, noon- 1 p.m., USU 3100 (Pride Center) Feminism in Latin America (in collaboration with WGEC) Tuesday, Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m., USU 3200 (WGEC) Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Campus Visit Schedule for the University Library Dean SearchDear campus community, The campus visits for the finalists to be the next dean of the University Library continue this week. Please visit the University Library Dean Search page to find the candidates’ CVs, brief bios, campus visit dates, confidential feedback survey and open forum Zoom links. Cinthya Ippoliti – Sept. 16-17 Meeting with students: Sept.16, 3:30–4 p.m., KEL 5207 Campus open forum: Sept. 17, 9–9:45 a.m., KEL 5400 and Zoom The recordings of the open forums will be available on Sept. 17. The feedback link is currently open and will close on Sept. 20 at 8 a.m. The search committee values your input, so please attend the campus open forum and complete the feedback survey for each candidate. Thank you, Charles De Leone Chair, Search Committee for University Library Dean Dean, Graduate Studies and Research
- In Memoriam: Dr. Steven C. WelchIt is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Dr. Steven C. Welch, renowned chemist and dedicated educator, on Aug. 9 at the age of 84. Known for groundbreaking work in the synthesis of natural products with significant biochemical and medical applications in his early career at the University of Houston, Dr. Welch went on to become the founding faculty of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department and Professor Emeritus at Cal State San Marcos. Dr. Welch began his illustrious career after earning a Ph.D. from UCLA and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology. In 1970, he joined the faculty of the University of Houston's Department of Chemistry, where he quickly established a pioneering research program. His work focused on the synthesis of complex natural products, many of which were previously only obtainable through laborious extraction from natural sources. His innovative research not only advanced the field but also attracted significant funding and talented students. In 1990, Dr. Welch joined California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) as a professor and the founding faculty member of the Department of Chemistry. He played a pivotal role in designing the chemistry major and developing a curriculum that has endured and met the highest standards of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Welch’s foresight in integrating undergraduate research into the degree program enriched the educational experiences of countless students, ensuring they were well-prepared for both industry roles and graduate studies. During his tenure at CSUSM, Dr. Welch served as the department chair for more than 12 years, where he was instrumental in hiring additional faculty and staff members, mentoring and supporting colleagues, and leading the design and outfitting of the Science Hall 1. His contributions to the department and the university community were vast, including serving as the first Academic Senate Chair and fostering strong relationships with colleagues at regional community colleges. Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Welch was deeply committed to his students. Known for his high standards and compassionate support, he constantly sought to improve his teaching methods to enhance student success. His passion for organic chemistry and dedication to his students left an indelible mark on the university and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for always planning thoughtfully and leading with kindness. Dr. Welch was an exceptional mentor to new faculty; providing advice but letting them find their own way. In addition, his soft spoken and kindly nature was essential to his promoting a sense of collegiality in the department. His foresight in designing microscale laboratory experiments resulted in a program that was both more affordable and more environmentally responsible than the vast majority of chemistry programs at the time. Dr. Welch is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Melody Welch Vander Straten and her husband, David, and their two daughters. He is also survived by his first wife, Elaine, and his brother, Dennis Welch. His legacy will continue through the countless students and colleagues he mentored, the research he inspired, and the programs he established. A memorial service will be held on Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steven C. Welch Outstanding Graduate in Chemistry Award Fund at give.csusm.edu/stevencwelch . Together, we honor Dr. Welch’s profound impact on both his field and the academic communities he served. Sincerely, Jackie Trischman Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- University Welcomes Nearly 17,000 StudentsCal State San Marcos welcomed nearly 17,000 new and returning students, the most in school history, to kick off the fall semester Monday. President Ellen Neufeldt expressed excitement and optimism during her annual convocation address to faculty and staff last Thursday. “Our collective achievements continue to grow, and what I cherish most is how all our efforts are deeply tied to student success and social mobility,” Neufeldt said. Neufeldt also highlighted the importance of the university’s fundraising efforts, which brought in $26.6 million in the last fiscal year, more than double the previous year’s record. “As a university, we are always committed to opening doors and creating new opportunities for our students,” she said. “Our record-breaking fundraising activity this year is a testament to that commitment. … “This just shows the strength of our community and commitment to supporting our important mission of student success and advancing economic and social mobility in our region.” A year of generosity The university celebrated a milestone in its fundraising efforts with a record $26 million raised for fiscal year 2023-24 – more than double the previous record of $12.5 million set a year earlier. Generous donors contributed a total of 5,290 gifts, highlighting the community’s commitment to programs that promote social and economic mobility and ensuring student success across the university’s diverse student population. CSUSM named to best colleges list CSUSM was named to the “Best Colleges in America 2024” list by Money magazine. CSUSM received a rating of 4 stars out of 5 in the new system developed this year by Money. Weeks of Welcome The annual Weeks of Welcome, which started Aug. 23, includes dozens of events for students to meet new people and kick off the academic year. Visit the Weeks of Welcome calendar for a complete schedule. Arts & Lectures for fall The university’s longstanding Arts & Lectures series recently released its fall lineup. This season boasts a diverse selection of five events. Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website. Summer highlights CSUSM hosted its first REP4 summit, a two-day event to gather fresh ideas from young students to improve equity and remove some of the barriers to college. CSUSM, together with the Cyber Center of Excellence, National University and San Diego State University, was selected to receive $1 million in grant funding and wraparound support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish a San Diego Cyber Clinic. On July 1, CSUSM was awarded a new grant from the Office of Naval Research for 5 years and up to $12.5 million dollars to broaden the scope of the program and further grow partnerships with the Navy bases and personnel. The Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving team won two Global CASE Awards, just the second time in campus history that Cal State San Marcos has been bestowed the honor. Business student Tanner Vodraska became the first surfer in university history to win an individual national title. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Parking and Commuter RemindersAs the fall semester kicks off, remember to set aside some additional time for your commute to campus. The first few weeks are always a busier period with students, staff and faculty getting back into the swing of things. Whether you are walking, driving or biking, expect a little extra hustle and bustle on the campus pathways and parking areas. Planning ahead can help ensure you arrive on time and stress-free for your classes or meetings. Avoid additional driving stress and parking fees by choosing one of the many free or highly discounted forms of sustainable transportation at CSUSM. Biking, transit, carpool and vanpool options are available here. Contact our sustainable transportation coordinator at 760-750-7029 or commuterprograms@csusm.edu for more information. Welcome back, Cougars, and have a great start to the semester!
- MBA Program Achieves Record Enrollment This FallThe Master of Business Administration program has reason to celebrate as a new academic year begins at Cal State San Marcos. The MBA program has achieved the highest enrollment in its history with 112 students. That’s almost double the total from last fall and two dozen more than the previous highest total, 88 in 2019. The number is so big that, for the first time ever, the Specialized MBA (SMBA) program has been divided into two cohorts, with 28 in the afternoon and 36 in the evening. There are 48 students in the Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) program. The SMBA is an accelerated 12-month program offering specializations in business analytics, international business and supply chain management. It recently has been updated with courses in cutting-edge areas such as machine learning and sustainable business practices. The FEMBA is an 18-month program designed for experienced working professionals, with classes offered outside of normal business hours and a hybrid learning format. Leaders of the MBA program attribute the enrollment growth to multiple factors, including new features, improved student outreach and engagement, openness to all majors, and program reputation. In 2021, the College of Business Administration achieved accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), in the process joining the top 5% of business schools in the world. "Our MBA program is all about opening doors for people from every background and major,” said Stephen Vandereb, associate director of MBA programs. “We’re proud to offer a flexible, affordable education that really meets the needs of today’s students. With a cutting-edge curriculum, strong career support and the credibility of AACSB accreditation, we’re not just preparing our graduates for the job market — we’re equipping them to lead and make a real impact in the world.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Academic Support Offered Through Learning & Tutoring ServicesWelcome to the new academic year! We hope you have enjoyed a restorative summer. We look forward to our work together in the year ahead in support students’ academic success. Learning & Tutoring Services for Fall 2024 The learning centers are at the heart of the direct academic support that the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUGS) provides CSUSM students. Virtual and in-person academic support is available. For a list of specific courses supported, visit our website. We look forward to working with you to ensure that students have access to available academic resources. STEM Success Center supports courses in these disciplines: Biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics Writing Center: Supports writing in all courses Supplemental Instruction supports courses in these disciplines: Biology, chemistry, economics, physics, psychology and speech-language pathology NetTutor supports courses in these disciplines: Business, economics, finance, history, psychology, political science, philosophy, Spanish, statistics for human development, and statistics for psychology Language for Your Syllabi/Cougar Courses Container Faculty are our most powerful partners in engaging students with academic support resources on our campus. To assist you in directing students to campus academic support resources, we have drafted language to include on your syllabi/Cougar Courses containers. You also may want to provide this link to your students. When do we open to students? Students are welcome to visit Learning & Tutoring Services to see the space or study beginning Aug. 26. Tutoring begins Sept. 3 and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where? The second floor of the Extended Learning Building. The STEM Success Center is in ELB 250. The Writing Center is in ELB 201 for in-person tutoring (see our website for virtual support options). Do students visit the academic learning centers? Yes. Supported by roughly 120 trained peer educators, the STEM Success Center, Writing Center, Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, and NetTutor supported more than 19,000 student visits during the 2023-24 academic year. This includes an 8.8% increase in unique visits from the 2022-23 academic year. Thank you, faculty and staff, for directing students to these learning centers and for your key role in recommending students to serve as peer educators in Learning & Tutoring Services. We can support many more students, so please continue to direct them to us. To what effect? Data suggest that students who make at least five visits to a single learning center per semester in support of a specific course tend to earn higher grades. Visiting the learning centers early and often is sage advice. In the words of one of our peer educators, “The more you go, the more you know.” Friendly Suggestions Add the language to your syllabi and Canvas course containers. Encourage students to stop by LTS during the first week of the semester to get acquainted. They can simply come by to look around. Encourage students to make use of the free tutoring at least once during weeks 1-3. Remind your students that LTS is a safe space to learn. Encourage them to bring a friend with them when they visit LTS. Remind your students that with regular visits to LTS early and often throughout the semester, their learning will be deeper and their GPA likely will be higher. Feel free to reach out to us with your questions and suggestions. In his role as assistant dean, Adam Petersen supervises Learning & Tutoring Services. You can reach him at apetersen@csusm.edu For Learning & Tutoring Services questions, contact Evan Smith (esmith@csusm.edu), Learning & Tutoring Services director. For Writing Center questions, contact Allison Reyes (ajreyes@csusm.edu), associate director of LTS for writing support. For STEM Success Center questions, contact Paulina Coronado (pcoronado@csusm.edu), associate director of LTS for STEM support. For Supplemental Instruction (SI) questions, contact Alex Picasso (apicasso@csusm.edu), SI coordinator. We know that the more students believe they belong, the better they do academically. Thank you for all you do to enrich this vibrant learning community. Best wishes for a wonderful fall semester. Dawn M. Formo Dean, Undergraduate Studies Adam Petersen Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Studies
- Free Cardiac Screening for WomenThe HEART lab, in CSUSM's kinesiology department, is conducting a cardiac screening study. Any adult female who has not had cardiac surgery or incident can participate. Contact Deborah Feairheller at dfeairheller@csusm.edu for information and to register. The screening takes one hour, and you will receive all of your information in the form of a letter that you can upload to your patient portal for your physician.
- Free Workshop on Cardiac Risk Factors in Women - Sept. 26Please join us on Sept. 26 at noon in the Innovation Hub as HEART lab students in the kinesiology department host a free workshop for women in the community. This workshop will provide information on cardiac risk factors that are specific to females and will be an opportunity for women from the community to gather and have dialogue about heart health. The event will include lecture-style discussion and chances for women to socialize and get scheduled for a simple health screening. Email Deborah Feairheller at dfeairheller@csusm.edu to add your name to the list.
- Seeking Endurance Athletes for Research StudyResearchers in kinesiology are conducting a study on the effectiveness of CBD for endurance exercise performance. Endurance athletes training at least six hours per week and not using cannabis are invited to participate. The study includes free fitness and estimated lactate threshold assessments. You will participate in three visits to our laboratory in the Extended Learning Building over the course of about three weeks. You must be 21-45 years old and in good health. For more information, please contact the lead investigator, Weston Titus, Ph.D. student candidate, at Weston.titus@autuni.ac.nz. The faculty sponsor is Dr. Matt Schubert of the kinesiology department, who can be reached at mschubert@csusm.edu.
- Seeking Cannabis Users for Research StudyResearchers are seeking cannabis users for a study assessing the heart rate and blood pressure responses to smoking legal-market cannabis. 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 Matt Schubert, associate professor of kinesiology, at mschubert@csusm.edu.
- Dance Project Addressing Mass Incarceration Highlights Fall Arts & LecturesAn event featuring a dance project that addresses mass incarceration highlights the fall lineup of the longstanding Arts & Lectures series at Cal State San Marcos. This season boasts a diverse selection of five events as the university hosts renowned guest speakers and performances. Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website beginning Aug. 26. Mexicans: Hispanic, Chicanos or Native? A Journey of Self-Identification and Cultural Reclamation Sept. 18, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom This lecture by cultural practitioner Grace Sesma dives into the complex identities of Mexicans, exploring the terms Hispanic, Latino, Chicano and Native. Sesma will reflect on the profound impacts of colonization, including the loss of culture, tribal identity, land and community. Through historical narratives and personal stories, she will examine how these identities have evolved and the struggles faced in maintaining cultural heritage. Sesma will highlight the resilience of the communities in reclaiming traditions, language and land, and discuss the significance of self-identification and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate the culture. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5 Intersections: Opera and Musical Theater Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Arts 111 Collaborating with esteemed pianist and CSUSM music professor Ching-Ming Cheng, Caroline Nelms will lead a captivating exploration of the parallels between the beloved art forms of opera and musical theater. The concert will highlight pieces that share common characters or storylines, offering a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. The audience can expect an evening of rich vocal performance, along with Nelms’ personal anecdotes, adding a touch of comedy and warmth to the experience. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: $5 Community: $10 Dancing Through Prison Walls Oct. 8, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom Dancing Through Prison Walls is a California-based dance and performance project whose mission is to amplify voices of incarcerated individuals and address mass incarceration. The event features a screening of the 2021 documentary “Undanced Dances Through Prison Walls During a Pandemic,” which highlights six choreographies written by incarcerated dancers from their bunks inside prison. The dances are performed by members of the Dancing Through Prison Walls community, with deep knowledge in a diversity of styles including hip-hop, breaking, tap, performance art, quebradita, spoken word, butoh and contemporary dance. After the film, artistic director Suchi Branfman will host a community discussion with the Dancing Through Prison Walls team of artists. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: $5 Community: $10 Musica Latina: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month With Camarada Oct. 15, noon, Arts 111 Since 1994, Camarada has been creating connections between its San Diego audience, its renowned guest artists and its diverse range of musical programming. Camarada will present Musica Latina, a program for flute, violin, double bass and piano in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and including the music of Miguel del Aguila, Manuel Ponce, Astor Piazzolla and Andres Martin. An Argentinian, Martin is a world-renowned composer and bass player whose arrangements and commissions for Camarada reflect the flavor and fervor of contemporary tango as well as the pulse of Latin America. Other performers include Beth Ross Buckley, flute; David Buckley, violin; and CSUSM lecturer Dana Burnett, piano. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5 Cities and Cultural Production in the Developing World: Insights From Pune, India Oct. 28, 6 p.m., Arts 111 Kiran Shinde will offer insights on public spaces and public art in Pune – a bustling metro in India – to illustrate how artists, designers, architects and built-environment professionals can contribute to the production of visual culture in a city. Shinde will present several public projects that his team has implemented in Pune to inspire students and staff from different disciplines to take active roles in promoting better visual culture in their cities. He’s the founder of Pune Biennale – a festival of art, design and architecture – and has organized three successful editions of the event in partnership with Pune Municipal Corporation CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5 Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- From the Baseball Diamond to 'The Bachelorette'Austin Ott had never watched an episode of “The Bachelorette” when he received a DM on Instagram from the show encouraging him to apply. Ott immediately sent it to his mom, who is a huge fan of the show, and she quickly became his No. 1 supporter to try out. Ott later received news that he would travel to Los Angeles and begin filming for the 21st season of the hit ABC series, a reality TV dating show where a single woman meets a group of 25 romantic interests in hopes of finding her future husband. The contestants were introduced in the first episode, which premiered July 8. Each participant made a grand entrance where they met this season's bachelorette, Jenn Tran, for the first time. “The limo entrance was crazy,” Ott said. “You can always have it in your head of how it’ll look, but until it smacks you in the face, you have no idea what that feeling is like. No one can prepare you for that.” However, Ott felt prepared when it came to having an audience. His communication and media studies degree from Cal State San Marcos gave him a foundation to build on. Ott’s first speech in COMM 100 gave him an idea of what being in the public eye might look like. “I think that after you can do that as a freshman, an 18-year-old in college, you're prepared for anything,” Ott said. “It helped me block out the negative and be myself.” Ott owes his experience at Cal State San Marcos to the late Dennis Pugh, the university’s first baseball coach, who recruited him for the team in 2014. “My time at Cal State San Marcos was probably the best years of my life,” said Ott, who graduated in 2019. “There’s nothing better than playing the game you love and being around your best friends.” Even though Ott’s time on the field ended, he never left his baseball roots. His mullet haircut and love for wearing hats is still part of his everyday life. “I don't know if it's the baseball player in me, but ever since I was a little kid, I have always worn a hat everywhere I go, other than when I'm working,” he said. “I probably have 60 to 70 hats in my closet. It's ridiculous.” Ott’s love for his mullet only grew once he flew to Melbourne, Australia, with the cast to film “The Bachelorette’s” third episode. “I kind of fit in a little bit because that's the big haircut in Australia,” Ott said. Once in Melbourne, Ott and three other contestants went on a group date in a high-speed race-car competition. The winner of the race had the chance to spend some time alone with Tran. “Despite the combination of trying to drive stick, which I don’t know how to, and being on the right side, I somehow won it,” Ott said. “That was such a crazy experience. Getting to ride in that car and win the race ended up with me having some extra time with Jenn.” Ott wasn’t sure what would be shown once the episodes began airing, and watching it for the first time with his family and friends was a memorable experience. A scene of “Truth or Dare” was a rather hard watch for Ott. “I had to run around the mansion in my underwear,” Ott said. “When that happened, I had to look away.” While it was awkward for him to watch, Ott shared laughs among family and friends. Ott even made new friendships during filming. “I went there for romance and I left with bromance,” he said. Ott voluntarily left the show in episode five, saying his connection with Tran was not at the same level as the other participants. Ott returned to his job as an account executive with FAIRWAYiQ, a golf course operation technology company in San Diego. He plans to continue his sales career but would love to expand his social media presence. “If there is a little side quest in social media, if I get that opportunity, I would love to do that,” Ott said. “I think I would flourish in it.” Returning home from the show, he was shocked at the love he had received on social media. While he made connections on the show, he made even more through various social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Before the show, Ott had a small following on TikTok where he shared lifestyle videos showing his life in San Diego. Since being on the show, his TikTok account has grown to more than 100,000 followers. Being noticed in public was never an everyday occurrence until now. “I think that’s the craziest switch,” Ott said. “Sometimes when I go to the grocery store or the gym, someone will come up and be like, ‘Hey Austin!’ ” Being on reality television has changed Ott’s life. “It was something I never envisioned for myself, never pictured,” Ott said. “I'm so thankful that I got the opportunity.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
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