Being informed about current events related to politics is one of Shivani Cashmore's priorities.

"I read the newspaper because we're possibly going to war," Cashmore (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said. "The threat of a war with Iraq forces you to act more seriously."

She is among the increasing percentage of college freshmen across America who consider tracking political affairs an important goal, according to a study by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles.

In 2002, 32.9 percent of the 282,549 college freshmen surveyed said following politics was very important. This is a 1.5 percent increase from the 2001 study.

It marks the first time in 36 years that the survey has reported an increase in awareness.

Dennis Davis, professor of media studies, said the events surrounding Sept. 11 and the threat of war are possible causes for the increase in interest surrounding political affairs among freshmen.

"The potential for war in Iraq tends to be activating involvement and interest," Davis said.

Although students are taking the time to brush up on political affairs, Cashmore said some students do not take the time to fully understand the issues and think about how the events will change their lives.

"As of now, my life has not been changed," she said. "People go out and forget about what's going on during the weekend."

Sam Richards, professor of sociology, said students are not fully informed of political issues.

"People can watch [Secretary of State] Colin Powell and not know what the hell he said," Richards said. "I feel like people don't know what's going on in the world."

A decade ago, Richards discussed the Gulf War during class. Now he discusses the possible war with Iraq.

"A war in this generation is unprecedented," Richards said. "The goal is to have an opinion that is in some way informed."

Bridget Psarianos (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said she has always been aware of political events.

"The news was always on when I lived at home," she said. "It is harder to keep up with the news while I study, but I try to stay informed."

Psarianos said the level of awareness among her peer group about political issues makes students think about their futures.

"People are a lot more directed with their lives," she said. "Everyone wants to go to graduate school."

Davis said he thinks interest in political events will continue to rise in the near future as international relations remainds important in the United States.

"If there is a change in circumstances having a long term effect, there will be some degree of activism," he said.