ALL IN names Alvernia to 2024 Most Engaged Campus list for student voting

University gains recognition for commitment to nonpartisan democratic engagement and voter education efforts

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) recognized Alvernia University as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting, a distinction that highlights nonpartisan efforts to increase student voter registration and turnout in the 2024 elections.

"This recognition underscores our dedication to civic responsibility as an institution of higher education and empowering students to be engaged citizens and ethical leaders with moral courage," said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "Through the innovative student-designed voter education exhibit and other initiatives, we are proud to foster an environment where students are empowered to lead and participate in our democracy."

Alvernia was one of 471 colleges and universities recognized. Since joining the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2017, Alvernia has earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Seals for its voter participation rates and has been named a Voter-Friendly Campus multiple times for excelling in student voter registration, education, and participation. To receive this distinction, colleges and universities must disclose campus voting data and submit a nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan.

The university's 2024 Nonpartisan Democratic Engagement Action Plan includes:

• Partnering with the Berks County League of Women Voters for voter registration drives.
• Hosting a Civil Discourse Series and the Holleran Lecturecreating forums for thoughtful dialogue on important issues.
• Organizing campus-wide events for National Voter Registration Day, National Voter Education Week, and Vote Early Day, which include education campaigns, sample ballot demonstrations, and leadership-led videos encouraging voter participation.
• Launching the Unify America initiative in 2025, aimed at fostering civil discourse and national unity.

"This work goes beyond simply increasing voter turnout; it's about cultivating a culture of care and responsibility, where every member of our community feels empowered to contribute to the democratic process," said Vice President of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion and Executive Director of the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement, Darryl Mace, Ph.D. "Our students are not only voting-they are shaping the future with their voices and actions."

Alvernia's efforts have been bolstered by its transition of voter engagement initiatives to the Holleran Center, ensuring alignment with the university's mission to develop reflective professionals and engaged citizens. The university has also embedded civic engagement into first-year seminars and Federal Work-Study programs, further instilling the importance of active citizenship in students.

In addition to the action plan, the The Media and Politics Class also curated a voter education exhibitionon campus to help educate the campus community about the importance of voting and media literacy during the election season. The display featured research posters created by each student to highlight the presidential candidates' takes on pressing issues as well as marketing materials from each candidate. In the past, the university has also hosted events such as the Fragile Democracy Roundtable discussion focused on the current state of democracy in America, what makes democratic forms of government unique, and what characteristics democratic governments share. It touched on recent challenges to America's democracy, including the Jan. 6 insurrection, and examined how midterm campaigns have been shaped by those challenges.