Webster Recognized for Election Year Programs for Students

November 19, 2024

Webster University was recognized by the All In Campus Democracy Challenge for the quality of programs offered to Webster students to help them make informed decisions during this year's national election.

This is the second time this year that the All In Campus Democracy Challenge has lauded Webster's programs. Earlier this year, Webster was recognized for having one of the highest percentage of students registered to vote in Missouri, thanks to the efforts of the WebsterVOTES program.

"WebsterVOTES worked throughout the 2024 election cycle to educate students on all aspects of the democratic process.  From voter registration to understanding ballot initiatives, being an informed and educated voter is as important as voting itself," said Jennifer V. Stewart, director of Webster's Office of Student Engagement. "In addition to WebsterVOTES hosted programs, staff members worked closely with other campus partners to bring voter education to classrooms, athletic teams and departmental staff meetings in order to communicate the importance of voting with all areas the Webster University community."

Among the events hosted by WebsterVOTES this year included several debate watch parties, an election night watch party, and a forum about the election results. Upcoming events include "How to Talk About Politics at Thanksgiving" which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26 in the University Center Sunnen Lounge; and an "Inauguration Watch" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, also in the Sunnen Lounge

In order to be considered for the All In Campus Democracy Challenge recognitions, a University must participate in the national program, shared the 2022 National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement Reports, developed a non-partisan democratic engagement plan for the election, and have signed the programs commitment to trying to achieve voter participation from the full student body.

Out of the 1,075 institutions that applied for the program, 471 were recognized.

"The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates. This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box," said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. "These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country." 

Visit the All In Campus Democracy Challenge website to learn more about the program.

Tags:

• webster groves campus
• university center
• student engagement
• president
• student life

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