The California State Student Association (CSSA) held a virtual meeting in February, 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 | February 2026
Cal State Student Association Systemwide Work & Governance
February 2026 marked a month of structured advocacy, formal legislative action, financial planning, and systemwide governance. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of major meetings held and reports delivered across the Cal State Student Association (CSSA).
California State University Board of Trustees Meeting
January 26–28, 2026
Student Trustees Jazmin Guajardo and Carson Fajardo represented CSU students during the January Board of Trustees meeting.
Key Agenda Highlights:
2025–2026 Student Fee Report
CSU Fiscal Health Monitoring
2026–2027 Operating Budget Update
Executive Compensation Recommendations
Civil Rights & Title IX Program Updates
2024–2025 Donor Impact Report
Student Trustee Contributions:
Trustee Guajardo raised questions regarding financial aid access for undocumented, international, and graduate students.
Trustee Fajardo highlighted the economic impact of the CSU system, noting that for every $1 invested by the state, $7.69 is generated in industry activity — increasing to $35.53 when alumni impact is included.
Trustees engaged in discussions on executive compensation structure and fiscal accountability.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for March 9–11.
CSSA Board of Directors Meeting
February 21, 2026
The February Board of Directors meeting centered on executive updates, strategic priorities, and preparation for upcoming advocacy efforts including CHESS and Advocacy Day.
Discussion areas included:
Federal advocacy engagement
24/7 tele-mental health expansion
Budget development planning
SIRF transparency initiatives
Campus engagement strategies
This meeting emphasized organizational sustainability and alignment as leadership terms begin transitioning.
Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
February 21, 2026
The Legislative Affairs Committee formally considered several bills for CSSA positions.
Action Items:
AB (Rodriguez) – Cal Grant: Cost of Attendance (Co-Sponsor Recommendation)
AB (Bauer-Kahan) – Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence in Higher Education (Support Recommendation)
AB 713 (Solache) – Student Employment in Public Postsecondary Education (Support Recommendation)
SB 961 (Ashby) – CalFresh Student Eligibility (Support Recommendation)
The committee also reviewed CHESS logistics and legislative meeting preparation for Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
Systemwide Affairs Committee Meeting
February 21, 2026
The Systemwide Affairs Committee addressed major system-level topics.
Agenda Highlights:
Presentation of the finalized CSU AI White Paper
Discussion of a resolution advocating reforms to non-resident tuition fees
The tuition reform discussion focused on equity, affordability, and long-term access for non-resident and international students.
Finance Committee Meeting
February 21, 2026
The Finance Committee continued advancing transparency and long-term fiscal planning.
Agenda Highlights:
Presentation on CSSA Investment Strategies
FY 2026–27 Budget Development Update
January 2026 Financial Statement Review
These conversations centered on building sustainable financial practices that support student advocacy and operational stability.
REPORTS
President’s Report – Tara Al-Rehani
President Al-Rehani’s February report focused on systemwide collaboration and strategic advocacy.
Ongoing Priorities:
Responsible engagement with federal advocacy partners
Expansion discussions for 24/7 tele-mental health services
Preparation for CHESS, Advocacy Day, and Hill Week
Executive officer evaluations and transition planning
Her report emphasized finishing the year strong while prioritizing long-term impact and organizational continuity.
Chair’s Report – Aaron Villarreal
Chair Villarreal reported progress on internal governance and policy refinement.
Highlights:
Updates to constitutional documents and policy review
Development of a Canvas resource module for future leaders
Clarification of agenda submission procedures
Participation in California Student Aid Commission workgroup sessions
The focus remains on strengthening institutional structure and clarity.
Vice President of Finance Report – Artur Gafurov
Vice President Gafurov’s report centered on fiscal stewardship and sustainability.
Key Focus Areas:
USSA financial engagement and governance participation
Strengthening Finance Committee accessibility and financial education
SIRF awareness and longitudinal research planning
Early preparation for FY 2026–27 budget development
Promotion of FAFSA, CADAA, and statewide student resource programs
Transparency and long-term fiscal stability remain guiding principles.
Vice President of Legislative Affairs Report – Nikki Majidi
Vice President Majidi reported significant preparation for CHESS and state-level advocacy.
Highlights:
Bill review and committee voting
Development of campus-specific federal one-pagers
Legislative meeting coordination
Civic engagement and tabling material development
Collaboration with external affairs stakeholders
Her report emphasized actionable advocacy and data-informed messaging.
Vice President of Systemwide Affairs Report – Katie Karroum
Vice President Karroum focused on system-level partnerships and policy development.
Highlights:
Finalization of the CSU AI White Paper
Participation in statewide coalitions including CHEBNA
Engagement with nonprofit advocacy partners
Monitoring Chancellor’s Office movement on systemwide issues
Her work reflects strategic coalition-building and proactive policy development.
Student Trustee Report – Jazmin Guajardo
Trustee Guajardo reported on:
Participation in multiple Board of Trustees committees
Questions raised regarding equity in student fee and compensation discussions
Advocacy for transparency in executive decision-making
Campus visits and community engagement hours
Encouragement of student participation in Board processes
Her report reinforced accountability and student-centered governance.
Student Trustee Report – Carson Fajardo
Trustee Fajardo highlighted:
Participation in Institutional Advancement, Audit, Finance, and Faculty Personnel Committees
Economic impact findings of the CSU system
Updates on civil rights and Title IX investigator pilot programs
Reflections on the continuous nature of student leadership work
His report emphasized both structural impact and the lived responsibility of student governance.
Conclusion
February 2026 reflected coordinated leadership across governance bodies, committees, and advocacy spaces.
From legislative action and tuition reform discussions to financial planning and Board oversight, CSSA continues advancing structured, data-informed, and student-centered advocacy.
As spring advocacy approaches and leadership transitions begin, the organization remains focused on sustainability, transparency, and long-term student success.
The next plenary meeting will be held March 21st, 2026 in Sacramento. 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.
