Political Engagement

The Office of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility promotes active citizenship with annual events and informational campaigns. Every September, Towson University hosts events and engagement opportunities on the 9/11 Day of Remembrance, Constitution Day, and National Voter Registration Day, during our month long series of events known as Civic Action Month.

Voter registration and educational programs occur year round, with extra emphasis during the election season. We also collaborate with and support various student organizations and campus units in their own political engagement efforts.

In addition, we encourage student awareness of current issues through the PawPrints Collegiate Readership Program with campus newspaper across campus and monthly discussions at the Issues to Action Series.

Freedom Square is located at the heart of Towson University's campus and it provides a forum for the campus community to express and deliberate issues of civic concern. Students are encouraged to have thoughtful conversations and are active participants in the engaging dialogue that occurs at Freedom Square.

Election 2022 Programs and Events

The Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility works with departments and groups on campus to offer the following Election 2022 programming. Visit TU Events for the most up to date information about these programs and to RSVP.
 
Constitution Day Panel
September 13, 2022, LA 4317, 5 pm – 7 pm
Guest lecturer Dr. Robinson Woodward-Burns will talk about how state constitutions stabilize American politics. Food will be provided. *This program is a partnership with the Department of Political Sciences.  
 
National Voter Registration Day
September 20, 2022, UU 2nd Floor, 11 am – 3 pm
A tabling program that will help members of the TU community register to vote. Snacks and swag will be available. *This program is a partnership with the Student Government Association.  
 
Issue to Action: Civic Courage Workshop
September 28, 2022, UU 321 A, 11 am – 12 pm
Curious about how you can contribute to social change and co-create communities? Participate in this workshop to learn more. Snacks will be provided.  
 
National Voter Education Week
October 4, 2022, UU 2nd Floor, 11 am – 1 pm
A tabling program about voting in Election 2022, including how to request mail-in ballots. Snacks and swag will be available. 
 
Issue to Action: Be Ballot Ready
October 6, 2022, UU 321 B, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Dr. Sarah Oliver will provide an overview of the Maryland ballot to help participants get ready for Election Day. This program is a partnership with the Department of Political Sciences. Snacks will be available. *This program is a partnership with the Department of Political Sciences.  
 
TU Votes Talk
October 10 & 12, 2022, Freedom Square, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Students will give speeches on why voting is important to them. *This is a partnership with the Department of Mass Communication.  
 
Debate Watch Party
October 12, 2022, UU 324, 7:30 - 9 pm
Participants will watch Wes Moore and Dan Cox face off in the Maryland Gubernatorial debate. Snacks will be available. *This is a partnership with the Student Government Association.  
 
Debate Debrief: Are Midterms Really Mid?
October 18, 2022, LA 2303 , 4 pm – 5:30 pm
This program will be a debrief of the Maryland Gubernatorial debate. Snacks will be available. *This is a partnership with Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. 
 
Party to the Polls
October 27, 2022, UU 2nd Floor and UU 325, 11 am - 3 pm
A community celebration of voting in the 2022 Midterm Election. The program will include voter resources, games, food, a scavenger hunt, and prizes (including Stuff-a-Tiger). *This is a partnership with the Center for Student Diversity, Student Activities, Student Government Association, and Student Success Programs.     
 
Election Day Tabling
November 8, 2022, UU 2nd Floor, 12 pm - 2 pm
A tabling program to provide voter resources. There will also be giveaways and snacks. 

Returns Watch Party and Election Emotional Wellness
November 8, 2022, UU 302D, 7 pm – 11 pm
An opportunity for the TU community to watch the Election 2022 results together with opportunities to relax and play games. Food will be provided. *This is a partnership with the Student Government Association.  
 
After the Election: What’s Next?
December 6, 2022, WC Ballroom A, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
This program invites the campus community to reflect on the elections, learn about the impact of the elections, and explore ways to engage in civic life after the elections. Food will be provided. *This is a partnership with the Center for Student Diversity and the Counseling Center.