What is UARSC?

As an auxiliary of Cal State San Marcos, University Auxiliary and Research Services Corporation (UARSC) plays an important role in the campus community.  UARSC exists to provide service and opportunity to the University, accomplishing this through its various entrepreneurial operations and its focus on the administration of sponsored programs, human resource and payroll services, and management of commercial enterprises, including childcare services, campus dining services, and bookstore operations.

Overseen by a separate Board of Directors, auxiliary organizations in the CSU system operate as distinct non-profit entities, working closely with the campuses they serve.  Auxiliaries carry out their operations in accordance with an operating agreement with the Board of Trustees, observing the policies and procedures established by both their campus administration and the CSU.  The Board of Trustees and campus presidents have general oversight roles, assuring that auxiliaries comply with CSU guidelines. 

Designed solely to carry out vital functions that are not state supported or that would be challenging for the universities, auxiliaries assist by enhancing the student educational experience through their supplemental services.  Typical activities that auxiliaries are involved in include:  student unions and recreation facilities, student self-governance, commercial services, philanthropic undertakings, sponsored programs and externally supported research, workshops and conferences.  Existing since the 1920’s, auxiliary organizations have grown with the CSU system, serving as an essential supplement to its educational activities.  There are currently 93 auxiliaries in the CSU, 91 in good standing. 

On the CSUSM campus, UARSC’s presence is known through its administration of externally funded research and sponsored programs and the many valuable enterprise partners it oversees.  Enterprise partners include Follett Higher Education Group, Sodexo, PepsiCo, Children’s Creative Learning Centers, Campus Coffee and FedEx Office.  These enterprise partners provide beneficial services and generate revenue that is streamed back through the campus. 

Our Goal

At the September 13, 2012 Budget Forum, President Karen S. Haynes reported that the campus would continue to examine its auxiliary resources  to ensure they have money to invest in the future, while providing much needed revenue to university projects and needs.  It will also examine internal synergies and efficiencies that might be beneficial.   She stated, “We have to leverage our auxiliaries.  They were created for the sole purpose of benefiting the university and our students, and we will continue to leverage them to support the university’s mission and priorities while assuring that they have funds to deliver the services that they were created to provide.”  

UARSC exists to provide service and opportunity to Cal State San Marcos.  With a “University-first” lens, UARSC strongly supports President Haynes’ Convocation message – we will continue to educate, elevate, and innovate. 

The University Auxiliary and Research Services Corporation is a self-supporting auxiliary organization, recognized by the California State University, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and governed by a 13-member board.  UARSC does not receive funding from state sources.