CSU San Marcos believes that the role of a public university is to be an active participant in the community. Our commitment to community runs even deeper than the amazing volunteer and community service work that our students participate in. As an engaged place of higher learning, CSU San Marcos has forged a strong bond with our community through strategic partnerships and initiatives. Community engagement is at the heart of our institutional culture, and it is a common bond that links our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Here are just a few examples of our commitment to community engagement:

• Tutor Connection is a first-of-a-kind program aimed at preparing future teachers to address the special needs of foster children. Student teachers visit the homes of foster children and assist them with their studies. The program was honored by Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter at the National Conference of Corporations for National & Community Service.
• The Senior Experience Program in the College of Business Administration matches teams of students with projects submitted by local businesses and organizations. Students gain by working as consultants on rigorous, real-world projects that require teamwork and application of classroom knowledge. Businesses gain by receiving concentrated attention from bright, energetic teams that provide a fresh, independent look at their projects.
• In 2006, CSU San Marcos received the Community Engagement Elective Classification from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
• Our Community Service Learning Program was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2006 and 2007.