The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) is conducted by the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education at Tufts University and offers colleges and universities an opportunity to learn their student registration and voting rates. The study is both a service to colleges and universities interested in students’ voting habits and a national database for research on college student political learning and engagement in democracy. At Harcum, the 2016 election was the focus of a comprehensive effort by Student Life to get out the vote. As a result, Harcum students voted significantly above the national average and voting levels increased from the 2012 election.
Dean of Student Life Urick Lewis said, "The NSLVE report is significant in that it provides a side-by-side comparison between 2012 and 2016 voting rates at Harcum and how we compare with other colleges nationally. We are happy to report findings which show a marked elevation in campus wide political learning and engagement which is exemplified via increased percentages in voting rates (13% higher than national average) as well as comparison rates with 2012 statistics (6.8% increase). This accomplishment shows our commitment to our mission of student empowerment. We should take pride in our institution achieving marks well above the national average while also finding encouragement in our student level of civic engagement which will plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow." Some of NSLVE's national findings from the 2012 election: