Vision: Through CSU Todos Santos, and in support of our land-grant mission, Colorado State University creates bridges across the border to Mexico, expands CSU research and teaching, and engages the talents and wisdom of the communities of Baja California Sur.
Mission: To cultivate generations of global citizens and thriving communities through collaboration, experience, and exchange of knowledge.
Learn more about supporting CSU Todos Santos in its mission.
In 2011, President Barack Obama launched 100,000 Strong in the Americas, an initiative to increase international study in Latin America and the Caribbean and foster region-wide prosperity through a greater international exchange of students.
As a result, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper established the Trade and Tourism Ambassador Program to create and strengthen initiatives linking Colorado and Mexico. Through this committee and its resulting relationships, CSU System Chancellor and (at the time) CSU President Dr. Tony Frank saw an opportunity for CSU to respond to the call from Governor Hickenlooper and former President Obama. The gift of land and facilities from Mexico City-based MIRA gave CSU the opportunity to open CSU Todos Santos.
CSU answers the calling of the 21st-century land-grant university by leveraging high-impact practices in education and creating meaningful long-term opportunities and relationships across borders to address global challenges.
CSU Todos Santos is core to the University’s mission of teaching, research, service, and outreach. The campus provides access and opportunities for CSU students and Baja California Sur residents and is a hub for community engagement.
CSU’s leading educational resources and expertise combined with natural, cultural, and historical aspects offered by the community creates expansive possibilities for research, learning, and experiences for BCS residents, the CSU community, and beyond.
CSU welcomes groups with an educational focus to stay at CSU Todos Santos, which accommodates up to 50 people in shared and individual lodging. The campus has indoor and outdoor meeting spaces ideal for university education abroad and field courses, small conferences, working groups, team retreats, and other educational programs.
The campus has four faculty apartments with full kitchens and living areas and 16 single, double, or quadruple occupancy rooms with in-room showers, restrooms, and vanity sinks.
CSU Todos Santos is situated adjacent to the town of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur and along a three-mile trail to the beach. The campus also borders more than 30 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.
Common areas on the campus include:
- A 40-person classroom area, equipped with a projector.
- Two rooftop areas for meetings, receptions, and physical activities, with standing-room capacity for 100 people. Chairs are available.
- Conference room with seating for 12 people.
- Outdoor courtyard with a fire pit.
- A dining hall with seating for up to 50 people.
- A large kitchen with catering and standard meal options.
Faculty and instructors come from a variety of institutions and backgrounds and from both the United States and Mexico. Community members are encouraged to propose a workshop; faculty can learn more on the faculty page.
Any student who is currently enrolled in a degree program at any university is eligible to apply for an education abroad program in Todos Santos. Admitted students must register for courses and arrange credit transfer with their home institution.
CSU Todos Santos educates and encourages guests to use water and energy wisely. The landscaping on campus conserves water and includes native plants. The campus also maintains active recycling, composting, and zero waste programs and education for visitors and community members.
Water use at CSU Todos Santos is monitored and limited as part of the campus’s sustainable practices. Water conservation messages and expected practices are shared with students prior to their visit to CSU Todos Santos and upon arrival, and each room includes bilingual signage with conservation tips.
CSU is an active member of Alianza Cero Basura and in this capacity works with local schools as well as students staying at CSU Todos Santos to learn about reducing waste, composting, and more.