The California State Student Association (CSSA) held a virtual meeting on September 21st, covering a wide range of issues affecting students across the CSU system. Here's a breakdown of what CSSA is and what topics were discussed this past weekend.
CSSA is the governing body representing all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the California State University (CSU) system. It serves as a platform for students to advocate for their interests and concerns on a system-wide level. CSSA works closely with the CSU Chancellor's Office and the Board of Trustees to ensure that student voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
The AS President and Commissioner of Legislative Affairs attend these meetings to represent California State University, Chico. In the event they cannot, the Commissioner of Student Engagement and Advocacy attends as proxy.
CSSA Plenary | September 2024
CSSA Tackles TPUs, TPM, Scholarships, and More!
The California State Student Association (CSSA) held a virtual meeting on September 21st, covering a wide range of issues affecting students across the CSU system. Here's a breakdown of what CSSA is and what topics were discussed this past weekend. The California State Student Association (CSSA) is the governing body representing all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the California State University (CSU) system. It serves as a platform for students to advocate for their interests and concerns on a system-wide level. CSSA works closely with the CSU Chancellor's Office and the Board of Trustees to ensure that student voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Time-based Performance Funding (TPU)
A large portion of the meeting focused on TPUs, a controversial funding model based on student performance. Students raised concerns about: lack of awareness and many felt campuses weren't doing enough to inform students about TPUs and how they could be impacted. First Amendment infringement was brought up as well with some expressing worry that TPUs could restrict academic freedom. Students felt they weren't adequately involved in the development of the policy. The meeting highlighted the need for clearer communication between campuses and students on TPUs.
Scholarships & Support Systems
Good news for scholarship seekers! The Internal Affairs Committee announced the deadline for the Scholarship Auxiliary Organizations Scholarship of Excellence is October 15th, 2024. The meeting also addressed concerns about lengthy scholarship application processes, recommending a more streamlined approach. Link To Apply
Legislative Affairs & Civic Engagement
CSSA's Legislative Affairs Committee announced the California State Student Association's civic engagement forms (Access Forms Here). We will be partnering with CSU Humboldt’s civic engagement team as well to encourage student engagement and bring awareness about the value of making your voice heard.
System-Wide Affairs & Alumni Connections
The meeting discussed the importance of alumni-student connections and how to strengthen these bonds. Ideas included: Implementing new alumni-student programs, expanding connections between alumni and student organizations, and evolving alumni roles from mentors to facilitators of student success.
Time, Place, and Manner Policies (TPM)
Representatives provided updates on how campuses are clarifying Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) through university administration and Associated Students (AS). Representatives posed the idea of partnering with their campus marketing teams to help create a digital educational tool and policies guide to better communicate the expectations around TPM.
Board of Directors & Student Trustee Search
The Board of Directors discussed the search process for a new student trustee. Concerns were raised about the new search format and the level of input from CSSA school representatives. Currently, only 6 members are on the committee. Overall, the CSSA meeting presented a valuable discussion of crucial issues facing CSU students. With a focus on open communication and collaboration, CSSA is working to ensure student voices are heard on issues like TPUs, TPM, scholarships, and alumni connections! We are looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the year will bring for our CSU campuses.
The next plenary meeting will be held October 19-20, 2024 in person at CSU Monterey Bay. Plenary meetings are open to the public in accordance with Gloria Romero Open Meetings Act of 2000. Meetings take place monthly (with the exception December and June). The agenda for regularly scheduled meetings are posted no later than three (3) days prior to the meeting date. For more information or to voice your concerns, please reach out to your elected student representatives.
Madison Kelley is the current Commissioner of Legislative Affairs for the Associated Students. This is her second term, with her serving as the Senator for the College of Business during the 2023-2024 academic year. She's a 4th year at Chico State majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. To reach out to Madison, email her at as-legaffairs@csuchico.edu.
