USC Upstate receives national seal for student voting programs

College campuses across the country are increasingly formalizing their approach to student voting. USC Upstate has just joined a select group of institutions recognized for their specific plans to boost civic participation.

The university received the Highly Established Action Plan Seal of Recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. This award acknowledges schools that have strong, structured plans to promote civic learning and voter engagement. Evaluators used a specific rubric to assess the campus's strategy for advancing democratic involvement.

The Office of Civic Engagement at USC Upstate manages these efforts. One key initiative involved registering more than 300 students on campus. The office also produced a short video titled 'How to Register to Vote' that features the university's mascot, Sparty. The video is accessible through the main learning management system, allowing students to watch it directly and faculty members to include it in their courses.

Beyond digital resources, the university runs physical events to drive participation. 'Scoops for Vote' is a registration drive held in partnership with campus housing. Another event, 'Spartans to the Ballots,' organizes groups of students to participate in early voting. The campus also hosts civic education events where community members speak with students about the voting process and voter education.

Tammy Pike, the principal instructor of history and civic engagement coordinator, stated that the goal is to provide students with the necessary tools to participate. '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,' Pike said. She noted that the registration of over 300 students is a key milestone for the office.

Chancellor Bennie Harris emphasized that student preparation includes community contribution. 'This recognition affirms our commitment to fostering informed, engaged citizens who understand the value of civic participation,' Harris said. He described the work as part of a larger effort to equip students with the confidence to contribute to their communities.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national nonpartisan initiative run by Civic Nation. It works with colleges to increase student voter participation without supporting specific political candidates or parties. The organization encourages active and informed participation in American democracy.