The California State Student Association (CSSA) held a virtual meeting in September, 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 2025
Executive Leadership Transition: From Planning to Implementation
The September 2025 Executive Reports reflect a period of transition from planning into implementation across the Cal State Student Association (CSSA). President Tara Al-Rehani emphasized strengthening CSSA’s role in statewide decision-making and aligning with the CSU’s new Strategic Plan and Student Success Framework. Her focus was on ensuring student voices are embedded in policy implementation, especially around enrollment management, Title IX, and systemwide student success. Events included high-level meetings with CSU leadership, participation in statewide student association strategy sessions, and preparations for upcoming milestones such as October Plenary and the Graduation Initiative 2025 Symposium. The report also highlighted ongoing priorities like building partnerships with the Chancellor’s Office, finalizing student committee appointments, and expanding advocacy efforts.
Other executive officers reported parallel progress in their respective areas. Chair Aaron Villarreal concentrated on constitutional updates, policy reviews, and internal affairs processes, while Vice President of Finance Artur Gafurov presented a stable financial outlook, noting 15% of the annual budget had been expended and emphasizing transparency, fiscal education, and stewardship of student fees. Vice President of Legislative Affairs Derrick Herrera updated the board on state legislative activities, co-sponsored bills, and CSU’s work with Tribal Nations on NAGPRA compliance. Vice President of Systemwide Affairs Katie Karroum focused on the CSU’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative, advocating for clear systemwide policies, equitable access, environmental responsibility, and stronger student input. Collectively, the reports underscore CSSA’s strategic shift toward active involvement in CSU reforms, legislative advocacy, and system governance while maintaining strong financial footing and prioritizing student-centered decision-making.
State Legislative Update
The California Legislature reconvened on August 18, 2025 following summer recess and concluded floor votes by September 12. Key updates include:
Co-sponsored
● SB 323 (Perez) Student Aid Commission: California Dream Act application Aug 20. Set for first hearing. Placed on Appropriations suspense file, then set to be a Two-Year Bill
● AB 791 (Berman) Cal Grant: Cost of Attendance Requirements Assembly, Two-year bill
● SB 98 (Perez) Immigration Enforcement Notification in Schools At Governor’s Desk
● SB 271 (Reyes) Childcare Support for Student Parents At Governor’s Desk
Support
● SB 761 (Ashby)- CalFresh: Student Eligibility At Governor’s Desk
● AB 95 (Fong) California Education Interagency Council Gut and Amended - no longer bill we voted on
● AB 850 (Pacheco) Institutional Debt Transparency Act Assembly, Two-year bill
● SB 416 (Pérez) Standardized Financial Aid Offer Letters Senate, Two-year bill
● AB 313 (Ortega) Student Financial Aid Deadline Extensions Signed by Governor Newsom on July 14
CSU Supported
● AB 977 (Ramos) Requires CSU, in consultation with Tribes, to develop a policy for the reburial of repatriated Native American ancestral human remains.
The next plenary meeting will be held October 18-19, 2025 in person at CSU East 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.
Gia Monticello is the current Commissioner of Legislative Affairs for the Associated Students. Originally from the East Bay Area, this is her first term serving in the AS Government. She is a First-Generation student majoring in Liberal Studies with a minor in Special Education. As Commissioner, Gia is committed to educating students about state and CSU systemwide legislation that impacts their college experience. To reach out to Gia, email her at as-legaffairs@csuchico.edu.
