The California State Student Association (CSSA) held an in person meeting in October at CSU East Bay, 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 | October 2025
Increasing CSSA Budget
The California State Student Association (CSSA) is experiencing a decline in revenue due to an increase in students and administrators opting out of the Systemwide Involvement and Representation Fee (SIRF). This reduction in SIRF contributions limits CSSA’s ability to operate effectively and continue its statewide advocacy for students.
The CSSA Finance Committee is currently exploring ways to address this issue, including advocacy efforts to reduce student opt-outs and identifying administrative departments contributing to these trends. Additionally, the committee has begun discussing alternative funding sources such as grants, private funding, and endowments to ensure the long-term sustainability of CSSA’s advocacy initiatives.
At the next CSSA meeting, the Finance Committee will continue deliberations on hiring grant writers, establishing endowments, and exploring potential SIRF increases through the CSU system.
Issues Affecting the CSU System
Several key issues continue to impact the California State University (CSU) system, including funding shortages, rising enrollment, and limited class availability. Many CSU campuses in Northern California are experiencing enrollment growth that exceeds their capacity to adequately provide basic needs, housing, and course offerings.
Despite this increase in student enrollment, overall state funding for the CSU system has decreased, straining university resources. Notably, funding reductions for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) have resulted in a $350 million cut in federal support, directly affecting campuses that serve large Hispanic/Latine student populations and the programs that support them.
CSSA will continue to advocate for increased funding for basic needs services and student support programs across the CSU system in future meetings and legislative sessions.
CSSA Legislative Updates
- Co-Sponsored Bills
- SB 98 (Perez) – Immigration Enforcement Notification in Schools – Signed
- SB 271 (Reyes) – Childcare Support for Student Parents – Signed
- SB 323 (Perez) – Student Aid Commission: California Dream Act Application – Senate, Two-Year Bill
- AB 791 (Berman) – Cal Grant: Cost of Attendance Requirements – Assembly, Two-Year Bill
Supported Bills
- SB 761 (Ashby) – CalFresh: Student Eligibility – Vetoed
- 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 (July 14)
CSU-Supported Bill
- AB 977 (Ramos) – Requires CSU, in consultation with California Tribes, to develop a policy for the reburial of repatriated Native American ancestral human remains – Signed
Student Resources
Provides up to $291/month in grocery assistance. Many students qualify under exemptions.
Offers food pantries, emergency housing, basic needs grants, and mental health services across all CSU campuses.
The next plenary meeting will be held November 8-9, 2025 virtually. 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.
