" CHALLENGE 2004"
sponsored by
The Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges and Universities
and
The John O' INSTITUTE for GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE for Government and Public Policy at
Shenandoah University
“Challenge” Registers More Than 3,000 College Students
The INSTITUTE for GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE’s Student Voter Registration Challenge resulted in more than 3,000 students at Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges (VFIC) member institutions being registered to vote. “Challenge 2004” was initiated by the Institute in collaboration with the VFIC and its 15 member institutions. The “Challenge 2004” began August 25 and ran through Oct. 9, 2004. During this period the 15 members of the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges were challenged to register to vote as many of their students as possible. The INSTITUTE for GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE provided participating institutions with start-up resources to include cash and advice as to how best conduct an on-campus registration drive.
All 15 VFIC member institutions participated in “Challenge 2004.” The institution recording the largest percentage of registered voters as compared with its student population was Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk. Virginia Wesleyan registered a remarkable total of 883 students during the period of the drive. This amounted to approximately 77% of the college’s total student population. The second place finisher in the Challenge 2004 Student Voter Registration Competition was Lynchburg College which registered 684 students during the drive or 48% of its student population.
Both Virginia Wesleyan College and Lynchburg College were recognized for their achievement at the annual VFIC luncheon in Richmond on Dec. 14. As the first place finisher in the competition, Virginia Wesleyan College received a trophy and cash award of $500 to be used to continue their student voter registration effort. Lynchburg College received a cash award of $250 for its second-place finish in “Challenge 2004.”
Statement of Purpose: A major purpose of America's colleges and universities is the education of future citizens so they can participate more fully and effectively in democratic processes. Citizenship in a democracy begins with exercising one's right to vote. It is the purpose of "Challenge 2004" to encourage and facilitate widespread participation in the electoral process by registering as many students as possible on the campuses of Virginia Foundation of Colleges and Universities member institutions.
Challenge Period: August 25, 2004 - October 9, 2004.
Eligibility: All Student Affairs Offices of VFIC member institutions.
Participating Stipends: Those Student Affairs Offices of VFIC member
institutions who agree to participate in "Challenge 2004" will receive
a $200 enrollment stipend from Challenge 2004 co-sponsor, the INSTITUTE for GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE. This stipend is being provided for the purpose of assisting the
student's affairs office in developing a student voter registration strategy.
Awards: At the conclusion of the Challenge 2004, the student affairs
office of a VFIC member institution that registers the greatest percentage*
of students during the period of Challenge 2004 is to receive a plaque recognizing
their achievement and a $500 cash award which is intended for use in future
student voter registration drive efforts. The VFIC member that records the
second highest percentage of newly registered student voters receives a $250
cash award.
Participant Responsibilities: Those student affairs offices at VFIC
member institutions who agree to participate in Challenge 2004 by returning
an agreement form as requested are required:
1. To provide a mid-term report by September 15 indicating the number of newly
registered students.
2. To provide a final report by October 20 which reports the total number
of students registered during the challenge period at the VFIC member institution.
3. If determined to be a winner, agrees to participate in an awards ceremony
at the institution which you represent.
4. To share successful voter registration strategies implemented in the course
of the Challenge 2004 with other VFIC member institutions.
Mary-Beth Johnson
Virginia Foundation Independent Colleges
Dr. Bill Shendow
INSTITUTE for GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE for Government & Public Policy
Dr. Eric Leonard
Political Science Faculty Member
* Note: The percentage is to be determined by dividing the number of students
registered during the period of the Challenge by the school's total student
population.