As we come to terms with the outcome of the national election, many in our community may feel disappointment and apprehension about the direction our country is headed. This is a challenging time, and we recognize the concerns about what this outcome may mean for the civil rights, freedoms, and protections that matter so deeply to so many of us.

The Cal State Student Association has always stood—and will continue to stand—for equity, inclusivity, freedom, and justice. We are unwavering in our commitment to these values, especially in moments of uncertainty. We know that safeguarding these principles is not limited to any one election; it’s a continuous effort fueled by our actions, advocacy, and solidarity with each other.

While the path forward may be difficult, we are not alone. As students and a CSU community, we will work together to champion the rights and liberties we believe in. We must continue to speak up, engage in our communities, and remain a source of support and fortitude for one another.

Together, we will continue building a future that reflects our highest ideals. While the fight for true visibility on a national scale continues, I encourage you all to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. At the same time, let’s recognize the positive outcomes of elections that align with CSSA’s goals and mission. These include important wins, such as several states voting to protect women’s health and well-being, and removing exclusionary language from the California state constitution.

However, I want this message to be clear to those who may doubt the collective power and resilience of the students in the largest and most diverse university system in the United States: Students will not be backed into a corner of fear and hostility as our rights and freedoms remain in jeopardy. Students in the CSU and across this state will remain the nation’s model for bright, determined, and civically engaged members of society – uplifting the rich history of student voices.

With love to our Student Community,

Iese Esera

President, Cal State Student Association

Support for undocumented students: https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students

Mental Health and Wellness Resources: https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/Pages/mental-health-services.aspx

 

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Thank you, Chair Clark, and good morning Trustees, Chancellor Garcia, University Presidents, and everyone here today. My name is Iese Esera and I serve as President of the Cal State Student Association.

CSSA represents nearly half a million students in the CSU and serves as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and the CSU Board of Trustees. It is an honor to provide this report on their behalf.

Since my last report to this body, CSSA convened for two plenaries in August and September.

In August, CSSA hosted the 12th annual CSUnity conference at Cal State San Bernardino. This conference served as an opportunity for students to gather and learn about system-wide policies and issues and identify ways to be advocates on campus.

CSUnity was attended by over 160 CSU students representing all 23 CSU campuses. The students were able to deepen their understanding of systemwide policies and how their experiences, stories, and backgrounds can help influence how they advocate. This was truly a historic CSUnity, with sessions strategically designed to foster community, engagement, and solidarity amongst key stakeholders in the CSU. I offer my gratitude to Chancellor Garcia, Chair Clark, Academic Senate Chair Boyd, & Alumni Council Immediate Past President, Jeremy Addis-Mills for joining a panel discussion helping to provide clarity and perspective on key issues facing students today.

We carried those conversations into our virtual September plenary which was wrapped up this weekend. We discussed Alumni & Student Programs, updating our 2024-2025 Policy Agenda, and we held a robust conversation about Time, Place, and Manner following a presentation by  Assistant Vice Chancellor Murillo.

I also want to express gratitude to Deputy Vice Chancellor Perez, Assistant Vice Chancellor Murillo and Director Tran-Martin for providing the opportunity for CSSA to authentically express our concerns with portions of the policy as well as its rollout.

While CSSA does not yet have an official stance on the Interim Time, Place, and Manner policy, we are actively working with student leaders from across the system to gather feedback and closely monitor university response teams. Although TPM policies have existed on our campuses for decades, we believe the creation and implementation of a centralized systemwide TPM policy MUST safeguard students’ rights to protected free speech. Students must be able to feel that they can express themselves freely and not be unjustly met with punitive responses when doing so. That being said, we acknowledge it is a little too early in the process for us to see what the enforcement of this policy looks like, but student safety is of utmost importance to CSSA in tandem with their protected First Amendment rights.

Additionally, CSSA is appreciative of the wider conversation that will happen on financial aid. Especially since the topic of financial aid and Cal Grant Reform is incredibly important for CSU students. While we were not able to fund the policy framework for Cal-Grant Reform this past budget cycle, our Coalition is committed to continuing to advocate for the funding as written in the statute. CSSA recognizes that the CSU is affordable when compared to other institutions at a national level, however, students are still struggling to address the total cost of attending a CSU, with low-income and BIPOC students graduating with substantially more debt than their counterparts. As this showcases a deep need for equitable support of our most marginalized students, CSSA is eager to help lead the conversation on tackling the true cost of attending college. We urge the CSU to continue addressing the improvement of the State University Grant and invite you all to join us in our ongoing advocacy at the state level to enact true financial aid policy reform.

Lastly, I am proud to announce that our next plenary meeting will be held in person at Cal State Monterey Bay on October 19 & 20. CSSA is thrilled to once again host system-wide student leaders while also diving deeper into important matters, ensuring that our collective actions are guided by our organization’s mission and the spirit of shared governance – as shared governance is a shared commitment to excellence and equity. 

Chair Clark, that concludes my report.

Thank you.

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July 2024 Board Of Trustees Report

Thank you, Chair Clark, and good morning Trustees, Chancellor Garcia, University Presidents, and everyone present today. Chair Clark, I would like to congratulate you on your new role as Chair. I look forward to working with you over the next year to enhance the lives of our students across the CSU.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate the newest student trustee. I have had the pleasure of witnessing Jazmine’s heart and class first hand and on behalf of CSSA, congratulations.

My name is Iese Esera, I am a first-generation Samoan American, and I have the humble and extraordinary honor of serving as the President of the California State Student Association (CSSA). I am a graduate student studying Public Administration at the one and only San Francisco State University where I am also an alum, having earned my BA in Music with an emphasis in vocal performance/operatic studies and a minor in Political Science in May 2023.

My journey with CSSA began two years ago as a governing member representing my campus’ Associated Students. Since joining CSSA, I have been passionate about advocating for student needs and rights, systemwide accountability, and ensuring all students have access to a quality education.

Today, I am delighted to introduce my executive officers, who will help lead the CSSA in our efforts this upcoming academic year. Here with me is:

Karen Carrillo, CSSA Chair. Before joining CSSA, Karen served as the ASI President at Fresno State, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Chicano Studies and Criminology. Karen is beginning her Master of Arts in Higher Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at Sacramento State this fall.

Adrian Sanchez, Vice President of Legislative Affairs. Before joining CSSA, Adrian also served as the ASI President at Stanislaus State and is a recent graduate where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in  Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology. Adrian begins his Masters of Public Administration at Stan State this fall.

Tara Al-Rehani, Vice President of Systemwide Affairs. Tara is a third-year undergraduate student studying Political Science and Economics at San Jose State. Before CSSA, Tara served as a Student-At-Large on her campus’s Lobby Corps as well as the Vice President of SJSU’s SWANA initiative.

And finally, CSSA’s Vice President of Finance, Tyler Coari. Tyler is a recent graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Before joining CSSA as an executive officer, Tyler served as the Chief of Staff & Chair for the ASI Board of Directors. Tyler is beginning his graduate school journey in the Master of Public Policy program at Cal Poly SLO this fall.

As you can see, the power of the CSU is quite strong in this executive team as four out of 5 of the executive officers have completed their undergraduate degrees and will complete their graduate degrees at the CSU.

Please join me in congratulating these four passionate and proven leaders who are truly – Made in the CSU.

The CSSA represents nearly half a million students in the CSU and serves as the official voice to the California State Legislature and the CSU Board of Trustees. It is my honor to provide this report on their behalf.

Last weekend, CSSA hosted our July Orientation and our first Board of Directors meeting for the 2024/25 academic year. At orientation, we had the opportunity to hear from liaisons from the Chancellor’s office, the Board of Trustees, the Academic Senate, and the AOA. We also met with our newly elected governing members and heard about their journeys as CSU students and how being “Made in the CSU” has impacted their lives.

In my short time as president, I have heard inspiring stories from students who have overcome difficult family situations such as abandonment, addiction, and abuse to pursue a transformative degree. I have listened to students who faced food insecurity and relied on free food events on campus to sustain themselves, hunting these events down as the only way to maintain their mental health and stamina as they pursued their academic goals. CSSA has witnessed the resilience of CSU students and their unwavering belief in the promise that a CSU degree holds.

As we embark on this new academic year, CSSA has set clear and ambitious goals that I would like to share with you all. First, we aim to strengthen our advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of CSU students are heard loud and clear at both the state and federal levels. We are committed to enhancing student success and well-being by supporting mental health programs and tackling critical issues like food and housing insecurity and affordability.

We will also focus on fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion across all our campuses, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported AND our dedication to sustainability remains unwavering as we advocate for environmentally responsible practices and green initiatives within our system.

Additionally, Transparency and communication are key to our success, and we will strive to maintain open and honest dialogues with this body, ensuring that student voices guide the actions of the CSU.

Lastly, it is important to remember the reason we all come together. Each of us is a steward of student dollars. The nearly half a million students in the CSU are some of the most hardworking and gifted individuals in the nation, striving to pay their way through school and, in turn, create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that our resources are allocated equitably and effectively to benefit all students. Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve these goals and make this year a transformative one for CSU students.

I am also pleased to have participated in legislative meetings around the May Revise with the Chancellor, Academic Senate, Alumni Council, California Faculty Association, and CSUEU, to uplift the Board of Trustees’ budget priorities. The CSSA recognizes that this is a challenging time for the state budget, but we appreciate the continued collaboration between CSU stakeholders, the legislature, and the Governor’s office to ensure the continued success of the CSU and its students – because the CSU’s success is the state’s success.

Although Cal Grant Reform was not funded this year, we remain committed to working with our diverse coalition of advocates and champions in the legislature to secure funding in the coming years. This policy will not only simplify Cal Grant but also ensure that more low-income students receive the aid they need to obtain their degrees from a CSU.

However, I am thrilled to share that the proposed cuts to the immigration legal service providers on our campuses were protected. We cannot thank our partners enough at the Immigration Legal Defense, The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), and Immigrant Defense Advocates for their work on this issue. Given the budget year, this was a significant success for students, faculty, and staff throughout the CSU, and we were proud to advocate on their behalf. While it is summer recess, the CSSA will continue to work on enhanced advocacy around the 14 bills we are currently co-sponsoring or supporting.

I would also like to highlight the strong and growing collaboration between Chancellor Garcia and myself. Our joint efforts will prove to be instrumental in advancing our shared goals, and I am excited about the positive impact we can make together for the CSU community. On a personal note, I truly believe that this year will be a historic one for the CSU, and I look forward to championing the power of the CSU with Chancellor Garcia – as she and I tell our story..

This growing collaboration is key to the success of students across the system, which is why CSSA is excited to welcome Chancellor Garcia, Chair Clark, and Chair of the Academic Senate, Dr. Boyd,  at our annual CSUnity conference next month at Cal State San Bernardino. Our student leaders are eager to engage and learn from you.

In closing, as I present my first report to this governing body, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the village that got me to this point in my academic and advocacy journey. I am deeply grateful to my SF State community, including President Lynn Mahoney – who for my entire college career, has led my university community with such strength and poise and also has provided me with undeniable guidance and unforgettable advice. Lastly, to my family, friends, hometown, and ancestors – I thank you for the lessons in resilience, perspective, and authenticity that have shaped me as a leader and agent of change.

That being said, Chair Clark, that concludes my remarks – and on behalf of the students of the CSU – let’s get to work. – Thank you.

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Thank you, Chair Fong, and good afternoon Trustees, University Presidents, Chancellor Garcia, and guests.

As the representative body of nearly half a million students in the CSU, CSSA serves as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and CSU Board of Trustees. It is an honor to provide my final report to this body on their behalf.

Thank you to Chancellor Garcia. Although our time together was brief, I am grateful to have gotten to know you. I hope the relationship between CSSA and the Chancellor’s Office will continue to grow. We must collaborate and deepen our relationship for the well-being and academic success of our students.

Since my last report, CSSA has convened two plenaries, one virtually and one in person at San Diego State University. During our April Plenary, our board engaged in meaningful discussions and made critical decisions impacting our student body. We also elected the 2024/2025 executive leadership team. Two of which join me today. These leaders will be instrumental in driving the agenda and addressing the needs of the CSU student body, ensuring that our students’ voices continue to be heard. Sitting to my left, I would like to introduce CSSA’s president-elect, Iese (Yes-Aye) Esera. Iese is a dedicated and passionate advocate for students, with a background in arts and music, emphasizing in vocal performance, and a minor in Political Science. Throughout his two years as a CSSA governing member and serving as the SF State AS Chief of Staff, Iese has built a reputation as an honest, empathetic, bold, and strategic leader among our students. As he begins his presidency, Iese also begins his second year in his Master’s of Public Administration program at the same institution where he received his Bachelor’s, San Francisco State.

In May, we held our plenary at SDSU. I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to President de la Torre, ASI President Tarek Morsley, and the staff who took tremendous care of us during our stay. Special thank you to DVC Perez, who attended both of our last two plenaries to present on several Chancellor’s Office initiatives and solicit input from our students. These items included Second Start and Finish Strong, updates to Graduation Initiative 2025, and highlights from the Black Student Success Initiative. All of these programs are very exciting for our students, and we look forward to continued engagement regarding their progress and rollout. We also had a robust discussion regarding how enrollment dollars are allocated amongst our under-enrolled institutions. I am happy that president-elect Esera plans to continue this conversation in our conference, to explore how our university can best equip all of our students, regardless of their enrollment level.

We also held our annual Celebration of Excellence Banquet, where we honored five remarkable individuals for their dedication to student success: Dr. Katherine Wong Lau from CSU East Bay as Administrator of the Year; Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyd from Chico State with the Faculty Excellence Award; Trustee Diana Aguilar Cruz as Trustee of the Year; Dr. Luke Wood from Sacramento State as President of the Year; and Chico State ASI President Autumn Alaniz Wiggins as Student Advocate of the Year. These awardees have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the values and mission of our organization and the CSU system, from championing the needs of students to creating inclusive spaces on campuses. We are deeply grateful for their contributions.

This year has been particularly challenging, with issues such as tuition increases, General Education reform, budget constraints, and the broader societal impacts of global conflicts. Despite these challenges, we have upheld our responsibility to advocate for students and ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.

Dr. Wood, I would like to thank you for leading the way in supporting students in their concerns and promoting their voices, including your efforts at Sacramento State to allow student encampments and your divestment statements. Your leadership has been invaluable.

On April 6th, 2024, the CSSA Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Our resolution unequivocally condemns the tragic loss of innocent lives due to the ongoing conflict, calls on the United Nations to uphold human rights, and urges the international community to provide humanitarian aid to mitigate suffering and prevent further casualties. Furthermore, it loudly asserts our firm stance against the suppression of free speech amid this crisis.

As student solidarity encampments began to pop up around the country and our system, we released a statement asking our university leadership to support their students’ rights to free speech and free expression, as long as they are peaceful. We are happy that in the vast majority of situations, our demonstrating students remained safe to express their views, and we applaud the university leadership who actively engaged in dialogue with their students to come to a resolution. Throughout campus protests, there have been cases, like in Humboldt, where serious injury has come to peaceful student demonstrators. We demand accountability from our university where this has occurred, and we will continue to do so. We are happy to hear that our universities will be reviewing their time, place, and manner policies to ensure our students can express themselves while avoiding clashes with our universities.

Throughout this year, CSSA has also continued to be part of the Cal Grant Reform coalition, a diverse coalition of higher education advocacy, civil rights, and social justice, business and workforce, and student leadership organizations, working to ensure the nation’s largest state-based financial aid system continues to be the pathway for affordability for future generations of students and their families. While we were hoping to see Cal Grant reform included in the Governor’s May Revision, based on the trigger set in the 2022 budget agreement, we understand the current budget circumstances before us and acknowledge that ongoing cost pressures are not viable in this year’s budget. However, our low-income students cannot afford to wait for financial support to address the ever-growing costs of higher education. Our Coalition has come together to urge the Legislature and Governor to phase in Cal Grant reform through a one-time investment by implementing key structural and eligibility changes to the Cal Grant program this year. This phased-in approach allows a pathway for the state to meet its budget goals while maintaining its two-year promise to students, especially during a time when we should invest in building up our economy and workforce of the future.

We also remain dedicated to working with all CSU stakeholders over the coming weeks to ensure that the Governor’s Multi-Year Compact is maintained and funding is not cut to the CSU. Both funding to the CSU and Cal Grant reform are imperative to ensure student success and affordability.

To close out my presidency, I want to acknowledge something obvious to us all: this has not been an easy year. Whether you are faculty, staff, a trustee, or a student, we have all faced battles that have left us with doubts about the future. And to state the obvious again, it’s not going to get easier as we see the clouds on the horizon. However, I am heartened by the fact that while I am stepping down, there is no shortage of students like incoming President Esera who are ready and willing to fight for a brighter tomorrow because they have no choice.

Even though it may not be part of our curriculum, we are all lifelong learners. If we are to brave this storm and emerge as a better system, we must learn from our students. Only by understanding them and their needs can we fulfill our mission: admitting them, providing a world-class education, and getting them to the finish line with as little debt as possible. This requires us to talk to them and engage with them, even when it’s hard or when we fear they might criticize us. We have to do this because, without the student voice, this system does not exist. We are both your best allies and your duty.

I know it can feel lonely in this building, and as if the whole world is against you. I have spent the last 12 months working alongside many here to ensure the success of our students. Please know that although it may not seem like it, countless people are rooting for you. I am about to join the biggest group of them—over 4 million alumni in just two days. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, the alumni of this system are constantly praying for its success. The current students are also rooting for you to succeed, even if it doesn’t always seem that way. And all the students who have yet to be admitted to this system are rooting for you too, even if they don’t know it yet. We are all behind you.

Thank you all so much for creating the opportunity for me to learn in the CSU, and I hope everyone here will continue to do so when I’m gone.

Thank you, Chair Fong. That concludes my report.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2024

Contact:
Miya Haley
Cal State Student Association
Email: mshaley@calstate.edu

 

California State Student Association Passes Resolution #2024-01 Calling for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Strip and West Bank

LONG BEACH, CA — The Cal State Student Association (CSSA), representing nearly half a million students across the California State University (CSU) system, has officially passed Resolution #2024-01, calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, condemning human rights violations and war crimes, and reaffirming the students’ freedom of speech and expression.

This resolution, sponsored by Maysem Awadalla (Fullerton) and co-sponsored by representatives from Chico, San Jose, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Los Angeles, was approved on April 6, 2024, amidst increasing violence and humanitarian crises in the region. The resolution reflects CSSA’s deep commitment to social justice, educational equity, and human rights.

Key points of the resolution include:

• Calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to ensure the safe return of all hostages and unjustly detained civilians.
• Condemning the significant loss of innocent lives and the destruction affecting civilians, including children, hospitals, and educational institutions.
• Demanding the protection of human rights as stated by international laws and United Nations resolutions.
• Urging for the provision of humanitarian aid and access to all affected areas to prevent further casualties and alleviate suffering.
• Standing against the suppression of freedom of speech amidst the crisis, recognizing the rights of students and faculty to express their opinions and organize peacefully.

The CSSA’s resolution also addresses the broader impact of the conflict on student populations, highlighting the spread of misinformation and the rise in Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. It calls for respectful dialogue and community support during these challenging times.

CSSA President, Dominic Quan Treseler, stated, “As representatives of one of the largest student bodies in the nation, it is our responsibility to advocate for peace and justice both locally and globally. This resolution is a testament to our commitment to supporting our students and standing in solidarity with all those affected by the ongoing conflict.”

An electronic copy of the resolution has been distributed to all 23 CSU campuses, as well as key national and state leaders, urging them to support these crucial humanitarian efforts.

For more information on CSSA’s Resolution #2024-01 and other initiatives, please visit calstatestudents.org.

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Thank you, Chair Fong, and good morning Trustees, University Presidents, Chancellor Garcia, and guests.

As the representative body of nearly half a million students in the CSU, CSSA serves as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and CSU Board of Trustees. It is an honor to provide this report on their behalf, especially during Women’s History Month, when we acknowledge the outstanding contributions of women in our community. Your hard work, dedication, and leadership in support of CSU students is deeply appreciated. I extend heartfelt congratulations to Chancellor Garcia on her recognition by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and to Trustee Aguilar-Cruz for her accolade from Senator Rubio.

Since my last report, CSSA has convened two plenary meetings: one held virtually and one at Sacramento State University. I sincerely thank Sacramento State President Woods, ASI President Andrade-Dominguez, and the entire ASI team for their exceptional hospitality in hosting us. Our students relished the opportunity to immerse themselves in the campus culture, symbolically encapsulated by their walk on the football field – Stingers Up!

The plenaries sparked robust and passionate discussions, notably on our resolution advocating for a cease-fire and the proposed changes to General Education (GE). Special appreciation is due to ASCSU Chair, Beth Steffel, and DVC, Nathan Evans, for engaging with our students and elucidating the nuances of the GE modifications.

In 2021, the CSSA co-sponsored Assembly Bill 928 advocating for the development of a unified GE curriculum across the CSU, UC, and CCC systems. While the original intent was to facilitate transfer pathways, the current proposals before this body extend beyond this scope and have raised concerns about the unintended consequences on students’ academic journeys.

Although many of our students appreciate the simplifying of our GE pathway and providing greater flexibility when choosing their course load, many voiced apprehensions about the potential diminishment of the vital first-year experiences and concerns over potential consequences in student success.

Due to these concerns, our board ultimately voted against endorsing the proposed changes. Regardless of what option is passed by the board today, we urge the CSU to closely analyze and collect data on how such changes will affect students’ academic trajectories.

We urge a collaborative effort between the CSU Board of Trustees, ASCSU, and CSSA to thoroughly understand the ramifications for all students, with particular attention to those from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups who face widening equity gaps. This deep dive should ensure that any modifications to the GE requirements genuinely enhance the educational experience and support the success of every student within the CSU system.

We also engaged in significant discussions culminating in the System Wide Affairs Committee’s adoption of the resolution titled “Calling for a Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Condemning Human Rights Violations, War Crimes, and Reaffirming Freedom of Speech.” This resolution reflects our students’ increasing concern over the ongoing conflict and its impact on their lives within our system. It underscores the importance they place on their right to express themselves and to engage in peaceful protest on our campuses.

The resolution goes beyond merely advocating for a ceasefire; it represents our organization’s strong stance against the rise in Islamophobic and Antisemitic hate incidents, both on and off our campuses. We unequivocally condemn any form of harassment, hate crimes, hate speech, doxing, retaliation, and the suppression of free speech. Furthermore, the resolution decries the loss of innocent lives, affirming our unwavering commitment to uphold the rights of students to free speech, and to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

On March 10th, the California Higher Education Student Summit, known as CHESS, convened in Sacramento, marking its 29th year empowering CSU students through advocacy and learning. This event attracted over 250 CSU student leaders eager to delve into the California legislative process and strategize ways to enhance the CSU experience for future students. Highlighting the occasion, we presented the inaugural Legislative Staff of the Year award to Ellen Cesaretti-Monroy for her work with the Assembly Higher Education Committee. Ellen’s dedication and extensive collaboration with CSSA on critical issues, including Title IX and sex discrimination within the CSU, exemplify the essence of this award.

During our Advocacy Day, we engaged with numerous legislative representatives, spanning all 120 legislators. We want to extend our gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for meeting with us, and Governor Newsom’s office for not only meeting with us but also hosting a forum to discuss the future of higher education in our state with student leaders representing every CSU. Our discussions were centered on pressing priorities such as Cal Grant Reform, the compact and bond, and our comprehensive legislative agenda.

In a memorable session in the Swing space, we awarded the Legislator of the Year award to Assemblymember David Alvarez, Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Sub-committee 3 on Education Finance. This accolade reflects our recognition of his exemplary student-focused leadership and dedication to critical issues, including Title IX, CalNAGPRA, and Cal Grant reform. Notably, Assemblymember Alvarez’s tenure as Assembly Budget Subcommittee 2 Chair began with a student panel, establishing a precedent for student-centered dialogue and setting a progressive agenda for future discussions.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Undocumented Students Summit at CSU Long Beach. This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Vice President of Student Affairs, Beth Lesson, the CSULB Dream Success Center, and the For Undocumented Empowered Leaders (FUEL) student organization. Together, they cultivated a safe and supportive environment that enabled undocumented students to openly share their experiences, establish objectives, and outline future advocacy strategies for our campus’s undocumented communities. I hope that we will persist in our collaborative efforts to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable students, particularly the undocumented ones who face significant challenges due to tuition hikes and program reductions.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Chancellor Garcia for inviting me to participate in the Chancellor’s delegation during Sacramento Advocacy Day, where we lobbied for a fully funded CSU. Our ongoing collaboration with partners across the CSU community is crucial in conveying our students’ narratives, demonstrating that investing in our institution has transformative impacts. I am thrilled to announce that the CSSA has been invited to join the Chancellor’s office in Washington D.C. to further advocate for our students. My gratitude extends to Chancellor Garcia for fostering this new avenue for collaboration and for her commitment to student engagement and shared governance. I eagerly anticipate continuing this fruitful partnership.

Our ongoing dialogue with the CSU Board of Trustees shows that CSU students are keenly aware of the significant impact these discussions and decisions have on their academic and personal lives. We are profoundly thankful for the inclusivity shown in incorporating our voice in crucial decision-making processes, such as the financial aid workgroup and the incorporation of CSSA’s research on student housing concerns.

We earnestly request that this board not only continue this engagement but also deepen its partnership with us. Students possess a unique and immediate understanding of the realities affecting their educational journey and can offer invaluable insights into real-time campus dynamics and challenges.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the CSU embodies not only our present achievements but also our future aspirations. To safeguard and enrich the rich legacy of hope and opportunity that the CSU has provided to countless individuals, we must collaborate closely and purposefully. Our collective efforts must be directed toward fostering an environment of inclusivity, support, and innovation. By working together—students, staff, faculty, administrators, and trustees alike—we can ensure that the CSU continues to be a beacon of educational excellence, hope, and a catalyst for positive change in our communities and beyond. Only together, can we navigate the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow, perpetuating the CSU’s enduring legacy of transforming lives through the power of education.

Thank You Chair Fong, that concludes my report.

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Thank you, Chair Fong, and good afternoon Trustees, University Presidents, Chancellor Garcia, and guests. My name is Dominic Quan Treseler, and I serve as President of the Cal State Student Association (CSSA).

The CSSA represents nearly half a million students across the California State University (CSU), serving as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and the CSU Board of Trustees. It is my honor to provide this report on behalf of our diverse and vibrant student body.

Since our last meeting, the CSSA convened last weekend for a significant plenary session to discuss and shape our objectives for the upcoming year. This session was particularly notable as we welcomed Joe Nino, the new Executive Director of CSSA, to his first plenary, and today, to his first Board of Trustees meeting. His presence and contributions added a valuable perspective to our discussions. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Armstrong, ASI President Andrews, and the dedicated staff at San Luis Obispo for their exceptional hospitality in hosting January’s plenary.

Our discussions, enriched by the insights from President Armstrong and other key figures, have been instrumental in focusing our efforts. We were joined by our CSU Alumni Council partners and we look forward to strengthening the student-alumni connection, supporting students’ personal and professional development. Central to these conversations was the enhancement of student support and success. Collaborating closely with Chancellor Garcia and respected colleagues at the Chancellor’s Office, we are actively working towards marked improvements in the experiences and outcomes for our students.

During our discussions over the weekend, one prominent topic revolved around the implementation of AB 928 and its potential implications for CSU’s General Education (GE) breadth. I would like to extend our gratitude to Chair Steffel of the Academic Senate for attending in person and to Deputy Vice Chancellor Evans for joining us virtually to provide valuable insights into the nuances of this prospective policy change. As we navigate the complexities of these changes, we remain committed to ensuring that the decisions made continue to prioritize the educational well-being of our students and foster an environment that promotes both equity and academic exploration.

The California State Student Association (CSSA) acknowledges and extends its full support to our faculty in their efforts to ratify a fair contract with the CSU system. As central stakeholders in this educational landscape, we deeply appreciate the crucial role that faculty members play in shaping our academic journey and in guiding our personal and professional development.

We are particularly grateful for the recent resolution between the CSU and the CFA. The agreement reached to end the strike is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and compromise. This resolution has positively impacted the entire CSU community, affirming our shared commitment to the welfare and success of our students and faculty.

In February, CSSA is eagerly anticipating participation in the CSU’s Budget Advocacy Day. This event provides a unique opportunity to underscore the pivotal role our institution plays in shaping California’s future. It is our intent to vividly showcase the tangible impacts that the CSU has on our communities and the state’s economy.

Our continued commitment to advocating for Cal Grant reform and active engagement in financial aid discussions remain central to our mission. The dedication of the Financial Aid Working Group to maximize federal and state financial aid is commendable. (pause) Nevertheless, we must emphasize the pressing need to address the comprehensive cost of attending college, encompassing not only tuition but also the broader expenses associated with higher education, through the State University Grant (SUG).

The proposed Cal Grant Reform stands as a beacon of hope for our students. It signifies a significant stride toward enhancing the accessibility and affordability of higher education. If successfully implemented, approximately 137,000 additional students, including female students, CADA applicants, first-generation students, and student parents, will gain access to the benefits of a Cal Grant. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our values and reflects our commitment to investing in the future of the state, particularly in the face of escalating college expenses and ongoing fiscal challenges in California.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Grant Reform is crucial. These two vital financial aid programs work hand in hand to create a comprehensive and inclusive financial support system that addresses the diverse financial needs of students, encompassing not only tuition but also the broader costs associated with pursuing a university education. This integrated approach is pivotal in ensuring broader access and affordability for all students aspiring to attain a CSU degree.

As we await the release of the Title IX report from the Assembly Higher Education and Senate Education Committtees, it’s crucial to reiterate the necessity of prioritizing student needs in matters related to Title IX and sex discrimination. Ensuring a safe and equitable environment for all students is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative for the CSU.

In conclusion, the CSSA is dedicated to collaborating with the CSU Board of Trustees, the California State Legislature, and all related parties to improve the educational landscape for our students. We are encouraged by our recent accomplishments, including the successful resolution between the CSU and the CFA, which has positively impacted our entire community.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the coming year, we must also acknowledge the concerns of student advocates for peace in global conflicts. We hope the university will not only protect students but also encourage them to peacefully protest and dissent. This tradition of American college students engaging in peaceful protest is not only a fundamental part of our democratic heritage but also representative of the global citizens our educational system aspires to produce. It is in this spirit of open dialogue, constructive engagement, and the pursuit of a more just and peaceful world that we move forward together.

Thank you Chair Fong, that concludes my report.

 

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Thank you Chair Fong, and good afternoon Trustees, university Presidents, Chancellor Garcia and distinguished guests. It is with great pleasure that I extend a special welcome to Chancellor Garcia as she steps into her new role. The relationship between CSSA and the CSU Chancellor is vital, and it is my hope that our collaborative efforts will enrich our mutual understanding and foster initiatives that drive student success.

I am delighted to announce that Joe Nino has been selected as the CSSA’s Executive Director. Joe’s experience as the Assistant Director of Government Affairs at CSU Long Beach State and his academic achievements as a two-time graduate of Cal State Long Beach equip him with the expertise to lead the CSSA with a forward-thinking vision. Joe is made in the CSU and his history as a student leader and former Chair of CSSA gives him unique insights into our organization. We are grateful he has chosen to return to CSSA in this role and look forward to his leadership.

Before I present my formal report, I must express profound gratitude to Mary Washington for her outstanding leadership as our Interim Executive Director. Her guidance has been a beacon of resilience, providing stability and inspiration during challenging times for our organization. As Mary transitions to her new role as the CSSA Director of Government Relations, we eagerly look forward to her continued mentorship and insight.

CSSA represents the nearly half a million students in the CSU and serves as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and CSU Board of Trustees. It is an honor to provide this report on their behalf.

Since our last meeting, the CSSA has convened two plenary sessions where members deliberated on the pressing issues that will steer our efforts in the upcoming year, with a strong focus on enhancing student support.

Our October plenary, conducted virtually, was a pivotal moment where the Board voted to adopt the CSSA’s 2024 Policy Agenda. This agenda, crafted with extensive input from students and governing members, prioritizes the total cost of attendance, access to quality wellness and mental health services, academic success, and fostering inclusive student engagement within the CSU community.

This policy agenda will guide our work for the next year. As we continue to engage with partners in and outside of the CSU, we look forward to identifying innovative and enhanced ways to best support our students.

We were excited to be back in person this last weekend for our November plenary, hosted by Cal Maritime. I’d like to thank ASI President Ryan Okama and Interim President Dumont for hosting us. While we were there for business, a highlight for many was being able tour the campus, ride on some of the small boats and experience the Golden Bear Ship Simulator. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Associate Vice Chancellor Jennifer Bazille to discuss GI 2025 and Director Jessica Wolin from the Center of Equitable Higher Education at CSULB to discuss the affordable housing crisis with our board of directors. These discussions were highly productive, and we appreciated the chance to contribute our voice and expertise to such significant dialogues. We are now looking forward with anticipation to our January plenary at Cal Poly.

I also want to thank Deputy Vice Chancellor Dilcie Perez for inviting CSSA to attend the GI 2025 symposium and myself to contribute to the Doing the Work Panel. The insights gained there have been invaluable, and we are committed to working collaboratively toward the common goal of equitable student success.

The process for selecting the 2024/2026 CSU Student Trustee is currently underway, with applications being accepted through the end of January 2023. We encourage interested students to apply via our website, calstatestudents.org. I would like to thank Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins of Chico State, who has been elected to chair this crucial committee, overseeing the search for our next student representative.

During the recent plenary sessions, governing members highlighted the importance of student engagement in the NAGPRA implementation process. To this end, the Board of Directors has unanimously approved recommendations to ensure student and Native American representation in this process at the Chancellor’s Office and across all CSU campuses, reflecting a commitment to shared governance. These recommendations advocate for the inclusion of student members on all campus NAGPRA committees, not just the 11 that currently exist, and call for the formation of such committees on campuses that lack them, regardless of the number of Native American remains and cultural items they possess.

The Board also seeks to guarantee that Native American Resource Centers and Native American students are involved in the NAGPRA committees to ethically steer the implementation of audit recommendations, including the identification of remains and cultural items. Moreover, it is urged that Native American individuals be appointed to key roles responsible for executing the Repatriation Implementation Plan, supervising campus activities, and providing systemwide training.

Lastly, the recommendations include a stipulation that campus NAGPRA committees must review and approve their operational budgets in line with their Repatriation Implementation Plan before these are forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office. The Board looks forward to a cooperative effort with the Chancellor’s Office and CSU campuses as they begin to act on these audit recommendations.

The past year has been incredibly successful on the legislative front for CSSA. We are thrilled to report that every bill we endorsed, which made its way to the Governor’s desk, has been signed into law. Notably, we co-sponsored AB 789, championed by Assemblymember Berman, aimed at removing barriers hindering students from maintaining their financial aid. This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and effectiveness of our student advocates.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Newsom for his continued support of students, without which these victories would not have been possible. As the legislative session takes a recess, our students are actively engaging in advocacy efforts in preparation for the Governor’s January budget proposal.

Our primary focus remains on ensuring full funding for both the CSU and Cal Grant Reform, as these are our top priorities moving forward.

Lastly, while we understand the complexities surrounding the salary negotiations between the CFA and the CSU and stand in support of equitable compensation for our faculty, we earnestly request that the impact on students be a central consideration in your strategies.

The prospect of a strike has brought a considerable amount of uncertainty and anxiety to our student body, particularly regarding the potential jeopardy of their financial aid and academic progression. Furthermore, we appeal to both the CFA and the CSU administration to intensify efforts towards reaching a fair agreement. It is imperative that this situation is resolved before it leads to consequences that could harm the student community we all serve.

As the holiday season approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone for a joyous and restful period. To our students, I offer encouragement for the finals ahead and hope for a rejuvenating break.

Thank you, Chair Fong. This concludes my report.

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Thank you, Chair Fong and good afternoon Trustees, university Presidents, Chancellor Koester, and guests. My name is Dominic Quan Treseler and I serve as President of the Cal State Student Association.

CSSA represents the nearly half a million students in the CSU and serves as the official voice of CSU students to the California State Legislature and the CSU Board of Trustees. It is an honor to provide this report on their behalf.

Since my last report to you, CSSA convened for two plenaries in August and September. During our plenaries, our Board continued with the development of our 2024 policy agenda which will outline our organization’s priorities for next year. While we are still in robust discussions, there are consistent themes and issues that our students are very passionate about which include: tuition, debt and the total cost of attendance. Through constructive and spirited discussions, we delved into the major subjects stemming from the July Board of Trustees meeting, grappling with the pressing issues students face as they usher in the fall semester, all while laying the groundwork for revising our organizational policies.

Also in August, CSSA hosted the 11th annual CSUnity conference at Dominguez Hills. This conference is an opportunity for students to gather and learn about system wide policies and issues and identify ways in which they can be advocates on their campus.

Our event was attended by over 160 CSU students representing all 23 of the CSU campuses. The students were able to deepen their understanding of systemwide policies and how their experiences, stories, and backgrounds can help influence how they advocate.

This gathering facilitated meaningful dialogue, encouraging students to engage in breakout sessions with pivotal CSU stakeholders such as ASCSU, CFA, CSUEU, and the Chancellor’s Office. Students were also able to address salient issues facing the CSU such as: Basic needs, Title IX, Black student success and GI 2025. I’d like to thank all of our guest speakers who took time from their Sunday afternoons to spend with our students and for sharing their insight and expertise. The rich interactions and stories shared by our speakers underscored the depth of experiences within the CSU student body.

CSUnity concluded with an in-depth analysis of the multi-year tuition proposal, followed by roundtable discussions that enabled students to voice their experiences. We thank Assistant Vice Chancellor Ryan Storm and Executive Budget Director Jeni Kitchell for their willingness to present the tuition proposal, and speaking with students to enrich their understanding of the daily challenges faced by CSU students statewide.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chancellor Koester for braving the distance to be with us despite personal commitments, and for sharing insights that struck a chord with many. The Interim Chancellor and I have had many difficult candid conversations, but through it all she has never wavered in her engagement with our students. The rapport developed between the Chancellor’s Office and CSSA during your term has been instrumental, and we fervently hope to continue this level of engagement with Chancellor-select Garcia.

I extend my special thanks to University President Parham, ASI President Edgar Mejia-Alezano, the ASI officers, and Dominguez Hills staff for their warm hospitality.  It  was a pleasure to see all of the new buildings at CSUDH and hear of the wonderful plans to further students’ success. We look forward to our next in person gathering at Maritime in November!

Last Thursday, CSSA in collaboration with The Institute for College Access and Success unveiled a report titled, “CSU at All Costs: The Inequitable Burdens of Affording a College Degree.” Our findings underscore the multifaceted challenges confronting our students, namely, the total cost of attendance. This report, coupled with the Campaign for College Opportunity’s analysis of ongoing equity gaps in the system, emphasizes the pressing need for the CSU to address the concerns of our underrepresented minority students more robustly.

Our research underscores that while tuition is undeniably a significant expense, numerous additional costs tied with the pursuit of a degree present significant financial challenges. On average, our students grapple with annual expenses exceeding $20,000, factoring in food, housing, books, transportation, and other life essentials. Alarmingly, we also found that over 60% of our students that have annual family incomes of no greater than $54,000, and 44% of those have an annual family incomes of $27,000 or less, will leave college with significant debt. This means that many of our CSU families are shouldering the costs of housing, transportation and food with hourly wages of no more than 14 dollars and 12 cents 

Beyond the rigor of full time studies, where as students we are anticipated to dedicate 40 hours weekly to academics, we are working on average more than 20 hours a week, and in many regions in the state, 30. With the proposed tuition hike, students will find themselves clocking an extra 3-4 hours at work each week. In this room, I have consistently heard the CSU compared to private corporations, however, there is not a business in this country that would say they expect this level of consistent commitment from its workers let alone its clients. Given those numbers, it is safe to say that even though the tuition increase has been spoken of as a modest, insignificant sum – it is not, it will continuously suffocate and impede the success of our students and this system.

Numerous studies have shown that balancing such work hours, while attending classes full time, greatly impacts academic performance, mental well-being, and diminishes the overall college experience. The immediate concerns of procuring food, shelter, and essential study materials like books, laptops, and stationery overshadow what should be a student’s primary focus: academic success. In truth, this burden stands not only as a significant barrier to academic achievement, but as a hindrance to breaking the cycle of generational stagnation, and is a challenge to uplifting communities that are historically marginalized.

I recognize the challenges the CSU faces, the looming deficits, the need to fairly pay the staff and faculty that serve faithfully, and the tough road ahead. Yet, while the CSU may feel compelled to make difficult decisions to persevere, its core mission remains indispensable for its continued existence – to offer an accessible affordable road to success to every Californian.

It is important to further contextualize the implications of the findings of the study within the conversation around increasing tuition. From our research, we know that 2 out of 3 Black students take on student debt and on average borrow more than their academic counterparts. Black CSU graduates on average are graduating with 76% more student debt than white CSU graduates (Pause), the impact of an increase will decimate the Black student population across our system. We know that systemic racism has marginalized these communities, often resulting in a diminished capacity to cover the total cost of attendance. We know that this often means higher loan amounts. We also know that graduating with significant debt can limit opportunities – from buying a home, pursuing certain careers or starting a business. And we also know that the weight of this debt can block the path to upward mobility, reinforce barriers, and cause the economic disparities we are trying to dismantle, to persist generation after generation.

Earlier at  public comment, you heard from Associated Student leaders from 21 of our 23 campuses who joined the chorus of students who spoke today. The narratives you heard encapsulate the essence and legacy of the CSU. They are echoing the research that we have done and that should always be prioritized before decisions such as these are made. Those student leaders are the collective voices of our nearly half a million CSU students and the echoing chorus of those voices are pleading with you now.

While we appreciate the efforts of many of our administrators to work to increase the support students receive from this increase, the CSSA continues to stand in strong opposition to anything that would stand as a barrier for our students to access the life changing power of a college degree.

While we believe the changes made are commendable, they are foundational and were always expected as the baseline, especially when considering a tuition hike.

We appreciate the readiness to listen and implement modifications. Yet, it took weeks of vocal opposition against the concept of an indefinite increase before it was recognized and rectified. After months of highlighting the potential impacts of this increase on the very fabric of our system, we hope that our valid concerns will be addressed today and tomorrow. These short-term revenue gains must be balanced against the compounded financial and emotional strain placed on our students.

I have had the opportunity to meet with people from across this system – from our dedicated faculty in the Academic Senate, to our incredibly astute administrators in the chancellor’s office, and to the compassionate trustees seated in front of me right now. I know that every person who works for this system has its best interests at heart. Yet, please consider the timing of this proposal: you cannot tell me that there would not be twice as many people protesting outside those doors if class had not started just 3 weeks ago. (Pause) You cannot tell me there would not have been 3 times as many people at public comment if this proposal was not announced only 2 months ago. With such factors in play, and as you’ve heard today it’s impossible for CSU students to fully trust that their interests are at the forefront and that their voice is important, especially when juxtaposed against a financially crushing tuition hike and a new Chancellor’s substantial compensation package of over 1 million dollars.

We must ensure that the dream and reality of a CSU education and its transformational impact is not yet another dream deferred for the students in our system. We must not fail in our mission to ensure accessibility and affordability of a degree to our students.

We urge the CSU Board of Trustees to take our concerns, requests and our pleas into serious consideration. I truly believe that together, we can mold a future where every deserving student can access, afford, and thrive in the CSU system. Your discernment on this matter holds the promise of shaping a balanced, inclusive future for our institution. Let’s champion the cause of our students, ensuring their well-being and success remain at the forefront of our decisions.

Thank you for your time and I sincerely hope you listen to the almost half a million students and consider our futures.

 

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The CSSA expresses deep concern and disappointment over the CSU Board of Trustees approval of the Multi-Year Tuition proposal. This decision could have profound consequences for our students, making higher education less accessible and imposing an additional financial burden on them.

We urge the board to deeply consider the impact of their decision and work to explore alternative measures that prioritize the financial well-being and accessibility of higher education.

CSSA will continue to stand in strong opposition to anything that would stand as a barrier for our students to access the life changing power of a college degree.

Mental Health and Wellness Resources: https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/Pages/mental-health-services.aspx

Dominic Quan Treseler
Cal State Student Association President

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