CSSA President Esera’s report to the CSU Board of Trustees
January 28, 2025
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 the 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.
First, I would like to highlight a few things occurring across our state that inevitably affect students as a whole, and the communities we’re a part of. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. If you are willing and able to volunteer or donate to any mutual aid networks we highly encourage you to do so. The wildfires signify the importance of community organizing during times of crisis like these. We are hopeful those affected will obtain the assistance they need to rebuild and to feel at home once again in communities that mean so much to so many of us.
It is also important to acknowledge the fear that many of our Undocumented and DACA students and their families may be feeling at this time during this new administration and the many executive orders that have already been signed that directly target their livelihood and sense of belonging in this country. CSSA stands in solidarity with the undocumented community and I have shifted my executive team’s priorities to ensure we are doing our part to share the necessary information and resources to support our students. It is important for all of our Undocumented and DACA students to know they belong and can succeed on our CSU campuses and within this country.
This past weekend CSSA convened its first plenary of 2025 at my home campus, San Francisco State University. On behalf of CSSA, I extend my gratitude to ASI and University President Mahoney for helping CSSA kick off the new year in such a momentous way.
We had robust discussions about affordable housing, textbooks and student success. I want to thank DVC Perez for the continued commitment to keep CSSA included and involved in the GI 2025 Year of Engagement. The Legislative Affairs committee lent a warm welcome to AVC of Federal Relations, Jeff Cullen, and took co-sponsor positions on two critical pieces of legislation that aim to address the financial challenges facing students in California’s higher education systems. These bills—focused on Cost of Attendance and Student Affordable Housing—represent meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable and accessible educational environment for all students. These bills have not been introduced yet but we will be sure to keep you informed as they move forward.
Advocacy on pieces of legislation are vital to the success of students in the CSU. However, what is equally as vital to students’ success and well-being is a fully funded CSU.
Governor Newsom’s January proposal included a nearly 8% cut to the CSU’s operating budget and a deferral of the agreed upon 5% Compact budget increase until 2027. These budget cuts go beyond financial figures; they impact the future of California and the commitment we’ve made to our students.
The California State University system is the largest public university system in the United States, serving nearly 460,000 students. When we talk about budget cuts, we are not talking about abstract numbers or faceless entities. We are talking about real people. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and many rely on the affordability and accessibility that the CSU offers. They represent a true cross-section of our society—students from rural communities, working families, first-generation college students, and individuals who dream of bettering their lives through higher education. Students are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today—already shaping the innovations, ideas, and solutions that will move ALL of us forward.
Even if the state’s budget must be adjusted, it should not be at the expense of the students. Let us not turn our backs on them. Let us not make the mistake of short-sighted budget cuts that will have long-term consequences. Instead, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources necessary for all students to succeed.
So, let me be clear: students should not bear the cost of the budget crisis. If the state believes that the innocent students of the CSU will not be severely and negatively impacted by a cut of this magnitude, they are sadly mistaken. We must find another way. If you are listening to me now, please reach out to your legislator and fight for the students of the CSU. The future of California and the future of our nation depend on it.
Lastly, my heart also goes out to the students of Sonoma State. CSSA has heard devastating reports from students who have completely lost faith in their institution and the promise of prosperous academic and athletic journeys. We recognize that the CSU must be sympathetic to the system’s budget crisis, but students, as the largest stakeholder group in the system – require that our leaders be empathetic in their decision making. This means that when campus leaders make major decisions that will impact students, faculty and staff, they uphold the principles of shared governance to more than just box to check off your list. And at the very least, you must check that box. It is possible to protect the integrity of your decision-making processes while also cultivating a culture of information sharing and transparency.
Overall, I urge two calls to action today. First, I call on our leaders here to commit to ensuring that your campus communities are afforded the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve, through trust and collaboration. Second, I call on the Governor and Legislature to invest in the CSU system and fully fund the future of our great state.
Like many, I am proud to be a product of the CSU. And I am honored to be a leader in the CSU. But frankly, the faith of our students is being tested every day on ALL fronts.. Our students are the future of the state, and of this nation. And for generations our students have been foundational contributors to thriving economies AND we are the blueprint of what one day will be a just society.
CSSA is immensely aware of the gravity of the situation we all find ourselves in and we are so privileged to serve as the voice for the brave and promising students of the CSU. We will continue to work in good faith with the Chancellor’s office and this governing body to hold true to the mission of the CSU.
Chair Clark, with love and compassion for our shared values, this concludes my report and I am happy to answer any questions.
Thank you.
