Photos by Terry Manning
The University of South Carolina Upstate has earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal of Recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, recognizing the university’s commitment to strengthening nonpartisan democratic engagement among college students.
The recognition is awarded to colleges and universities with strong action plans to promote civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. Institutions are evaluated using the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Rubric, which assesses campus plans for advancing democratic engagement.
USC Upstate’s Office of Civic Engagement leads initiatives designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills and sense of responsibility needed to participate in their communities and engage thoughtfully in the democratic process. The office has registered more than 300 students on campus and developed a “How to Register to Vote” video featuring Sparty the Spartan. The video is available through the university’s main learning management system page, where students can access the resource and faculty can incorporate it into their courses.
Additional initiatives include “Scoops for Vote,” a voter registration drive held in partnership with campus housing, and “Spartans to the Ballots,” which brings students together to participate in early voting. The university also hosts civic education events that give community members opportunities to speak with students about voting, voter education and the democratic process.
“Civic engagement is about giving students the knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to participate in our democracy,” said Tammy Pike, principal instructor of history and civic engagement coordinator at USC Upstate. “From helping students register to vote with Sparty to bringing our campus community together for early voting and civic education events, we want to make participation accessible and meaningful. Registering more than 300 students on campus is an important milestone, and we will continue creating opportunities for students to become informed, engaged citizens.”
“Preparing students for success means equipping them not only with the knowledge and skills to excel in their careers, but also with the understanding and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” said USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris. “This recognition affirms our commitment to fostering informed, engaged citizens who understand the value of civic participation and the role they can play in shaping the future of our communities and our nation.”
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national, nonpartisan initiative of Civic Nation that works with colleges and universities to increase college student voter participation and strengthen civic engagement. The organization encourages active and informed participation in American democracy without supporting or opposing political candidates or parties.
For more information about the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, visit allinchallenge.org.