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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