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The University again has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge with a Highly Established Action Plan award for 2026.

Every election cycle, or every two years, colleges a part of the ALL IN Democracy Challenge must submit an action plan. This consists of a detailed plan to increase civic engagement and student voting on campus. It outlines goals, leadership, social media plans and strategy, explained Ellie Arthur ’27, one of the co-authors of UTampa’s plan.

“Encouraging civic engagement is no easy feat, so having this plan and a coalition involved is helping make our goals more achievable,” Arthur said. “ALL IN also finds that campuses that have good action plans have better voter turnout and overall engagement.”

The main goal of ALL IN is to get students out and voting regularly, Arthur said.

Caden Raymond ’28, who also co-authored the plan, said UTampa’s nonpartisan strategy outlines how students plan to do events like voter registration drives, education and partnerships, as well as mobilization to the polls.

The plan outlines who they plan to work with, like Greek Life and Athletics. They also want to partner with Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, the city of Tampa, and local non-partisan elected officials to create an environment of civic engagement at UTampa, Raymond explained.

“Voting is essential to a healthy democracy, and ensuring that no one's voting rights are being infringed upon is something I am immensely passionate about,” Arthur said, adding that working with ALL IN has sparked an interest in her to be an attorney for civil rights and voting rights.

University of Tampa also received the Highly Established Action Plan award recognition in 2024.

The students co-authored the plan with Kathryn Vandermolen, associate professor of political science, and Ian McGinnity, former director of community engagement.

UTampa is one of 129 colleges and universities to receive the distinction this year.