Cal State San Marcos students were buzzing with excitement on Sept. 12 as they gathered in front of Kellogg Library during U-hour to look at the different books on display and pick one up for free at the kickoff for the 2023-24 Common Read. For the second straight year, the theme is banned books, which has become a hot topic in libraries across the country due to increasing censorship and restriction in recent years. According to the American Library Association, the books commonly targeted are ones that center around marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA persons and people of color. By highlighting these underrepresented groups, the Common Read will create a space for everyone to have a voice and share their thoughts on how the banning of books affects marginalized communities.  The University Library holds the Common Read annually, providing students with the opportunity to select a free book and engage with the campus community through constructive discussions and activities that connect to the readings. With a diverse selection of five books to choose from that vary in genre, students can learn more about why books get banned and the important concepts discussed in these texts, such as issues relating to race, gender and sexuality. “I am such a firm believer in the value of a liberal arts education and getting outside your comfort zone,” said Allison Carr, CSUSM’s academic transitions librarian. “Reading something you normally wouldn’t can open your mind to issues outside your personal experience and expand your knowledge on important matters in society.” The five books selected for this year’s campaign include:  “We Are the Land: A History of Native California,” Damon B. Akins and William J. Bauer “The Handmaid's Tale,” Margaret Atwood “All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir Manifesto,” George M. Johnson “Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood,” Marjane Satrapi “Separate Is Never Equal,” Duncan Tonatiuh This year’s Common Read is also finding its way into classrooms. To bring students into the conversation, the library is partnering with faculty to implement the chosen readings into their curriculum. Through class discussions and group projects, professors are spreading the message about banned books to their students and fostering an environment that encourages an open dialogue.  “Talking about censorship through these assignments allows students to examine how it is intertwined with cancel culture and the overall timeline of banned books,” said Dominique Harrison, a member of the Common Read committee and a professor of General Education Lifelong Learning (GEL). Harrison collaborated with Rosa Rodriguez, CSUSM’s outreach librarian, in selecting the picture book “Separate Is Never Equal.” Students will have more opportunities to engage with the material and pick up a free book throughout the semester, as there will be four more Common Read events:    Banned Books Week Activity and Giveaway  Tuesday, Oct. 3, noon, outside Kellogg Library's third-floor entrance: Pick up a free copy of a Common Read book, participate in trivia and activities, win prizes, learn about censorship, and more. Bilingual Storytime and Craft: ‘Separate Is Never Equal’  Thursday, Oct. 5, noon, Kellogg Library Reading Room (KEL 5400): There will be a reading of "Separate Is Never Equal" and a hands-on craft. Free copies of the book are available for pickup. All ages welcome, including kids. Pride Center Book Discussion: ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’  Tuesday, Oct. 17, noon, Pride Center: A discussion of the book "All Boys Aren't Blue." Free copies of the book will be available for pickup. You don't need to have read the book to participate. Common Read Book Giveaway  Tuesday, Nov. 14, noon, outside Kellogg third-floor entrance: Pick up a free copy of one of the Common Read books.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Hannah Harding and Alexis Rojas were students in the theatre arts program at Cal State San Marcos when they each thought about wanting to add stronger British accents to their repertoire as potential future actors. For most, that would have meant an acting class somewhere close by. For the Class of 2023 alumnae, however, it meant going straight to the source. Soon after graduating in May, Harding and Rojas were accompanied by theatre professor Judy Bauerlein for a four-week Summer in London program through CSU Summer Arts. “We focus on preparing students for either graduate school or the professional world with whatever they have, whatever they desire to do,” said Bauerlein, who recently chaired the department and is still active in the industry. “But I do feel like graduate school is a really good next step. There are so many more skills and opportunities that they need to learn before they go into the professional world. Not all of our students take advantage of it. We had two students do Summer Arts this year. What I hope to see is six or eight do it this coming year, and I hope it's something that most of our students can go and do.” Harding and Rojas applied for the program and were accepted. Bauerlein followed the same path as an attendee and not a professional, even though she easily qualifies for both. Harding, now in the Master of Fine Arts program at USC, was aided by a tuition scholarship, which made the other costs associated with traveling to England a lot more affordable. “Nothing was holding me back from going on this trip,” Harding said. “I had just graduated from undergraduate school, and it felt like the best option for me as it kept me busy working on my craft. There were no downsides in taking a chance on this opportunity, and I knew I just had to do it.” The three traveled from San Marcos to London, but Rojas remained there after the program. She was accepted in April to a master’s program at Kent University in Canterbury, England. She went to Germany right after commencement and has fit right into the Western European lifestyle. “I thought I should try it out to get a taste of the country,” said Rojas, who will be studying physical acting at Kent. “Judy told me about this London ‘Acting in Accent,’ and said that I should try it out because she was going and wanted me to go with her. She said that it would be a great opportunity. The trip really prepared me to take advantage of things and just accept the opportunity even though I didn't feel exactly sure about it.” CSU Summer Arts doubles as an international summer arts program of master classes and an arts festival. What started in the mid-1980s as a summer dance program at Long Beach State has transformed into one of the largest organizations of its kind, first adding a media arts festival and now being an educational environment where students live, work and learn alongside world-renowned professionals in their fields. Now housed at Fresno State, the curriculum often includes international opportunities such as the one Harding, Rojas and Bauerlein attended. It was set up to meet the needs of CSU arts students, but now invites all students and faculty from public and private schools from California and beyond. “The faculty and administrators who founded it wanted to create opportunities for students at some of the smaller campuses to work with renowned artists and to have time with people that might live in L.A. or San Francisco, for example,” Bauerlein said. “And the students in those smaller, more rural campuses might not have access to them.” In addition to working on improving their British accents in master classes from 9-5, the group attended theater productions across London in the evenings, including visiting the West End, home to a world-famous theater district. Think England’s version of Broadway and add an ingrained cultural belief in the value of attending shows weekly. “In the cultural scene in London, it's a regular thing for people to go to the theater, at least once a week,” said Bauerlein, who grew up in Philadelphia and attended Temple University before moving to New York City to embark on a 30-year acting career. “Where we were staying, we were right on the West End. It was like being near Broadway – you just go to a Broadway show every night. So getting out and going to see artwork, going to see performances, going to see plays, all that stuff is really important. And we want our students to do that. We're trying to figure out how we can make that happen.” The British voice teachers used a Southern California-based accent training method during the program. It helped the students get in touch with their natural accent, too, because the technique requires starting with their own before building others. “This trip helped me prepare for my future career by giving me a new set of tools to add to my knowledge,” Harding said. “I have new skills that can take me farther than what could have been. I just feel as though expanding my skill set helps me become more ready to do other kinds of work in theater that I haven’t done before.” There are obvious benefits to introducing CSUSM students to the arts on the largest stages, so to speak. Many come to campus without ever seeing a show beyond a play in high school. On a local level, the North County theater scene is growing. CSUSM’s Arts & Lectures series offers students free admission to entertaining acts and thought-provoking discussions. The Old Globe theater also brings a Shakespeare production to campus every year in Arts 211. “It's always just getting out, getting into new places and seeing new things,” Bauerlein said. “It's just so beneficial for the brain and the imagination and everything.” Bauerlein lived in London for nine months while studying abroad as a 20-year-old undergraduate student. She liked it so much that she went back the following summer, securing a theater job. She went to London last summer as a student, with one other attendee in her age group and the remaining 30 or so students in their early 20s. She won’t hesitate to do something similar in the future depending on the subject matter. “It was fun to be around that kind of youth and energy, and it was also just delightful to experience them experiencing a different country and traveling,” Bauerlein said. “They went to a lot of plays, they saw a lot of artwork, they went to clubs, they traveled. A big group of them went to Edinburgh, others went to Paris, so they were kind of hopping all around while they were doing the class on our off days. I studied abroad when I was their age, too, so it was fun to kind of relive the newness and everything.” Rojas is quick to name Bauerlein as a major factor in her development as an actor and student. A one-time transfer student, she leaned heavily on faculty and staff to guide her journey. “I would describe my time at CSUSM as an awesome and amazing experience,” Rojas said. “I remember coming to this school in spring 2021 feeling very nervous, but I ended up meeting some really nice people. They were very welcoming and made me feel like I belong there. I really miss everyone there – my friends and my professors. I love Judy. She has been truly helpful to me because I almost didn't graduate this year, and Judy was there to help me to graduate on time. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Dear campus community,   I am pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Jesus Flores to the role of associate vice president of campus safety and chief of police. Flores has been serving in an interim capacity since Aug. 1, 2022, and has showcased exceptional leadership and dedication during this period.  Flores joined our campus community as a police officer in 2001 and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our university. During his tenure as interim chief of police, he undertook several significant initiatives that have enhanced our campus safety and emergency response capabilities. Flores serves as chair of the Campus Police and Safety Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Campus Assessment, Response and Education (CARE) Team, and is an active member of the Timely Incident Response Task Force. He has demonstrated effective leadership by overseeing and actively participating in these crucial committees, ensuring that our strategies align with the evolving needs of our university.  Flores played a pivotal role in establishing and operationalizing the crisis response team, collaborating with Student Health & Counseling Services to recruit a director and effectively manage crisis situations on campus. He made strategic personnel appointments, including the appointment of a new lieutenant, and initiated an officer wellness program, prioritizing the well-being and resilience of our law enforcement team.  Flores facilitated multiple successful tabletop exercises, promoting cross-collaboration with our local partners and internal teams, and enhancing our university's readiness to respond to emergencies effectively. He has facilitated multiple safety forums to engage with the campus community, share information and receive feedback, and has served as a liaison to the Office of Inclusive Excellence for several years.  Flores's dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to campus safety are exemplary. His vision for a safer campus environment and his proactive initiatives have set the foundation for a secure and supportive educational community.  Please join me in congratulating Jesus Flores on his permanent appointment. We are confident that, under his continued leadership, the sub-division will thrive and ensure the safety and well-being of our entire university community.   Sincerely,   Leon Wyden Jr.   Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Chief Financial Officer  

CSUSM Dining Services is inviting up to 100 guests to sample food at our free catering showcase. Try our new custom buffet and custom menu items, and learn how to review and order through CaterTrax.  When: Oct. 16 from 10 a.m.-noon Who: First 100 guests who inquire to AnnaMarie.Flowers@sodexo.com Where: USU 2300 A/C