From the Chair Nadir Vissanjy (2006-2007)
Much like the 2005-2006 academic year, the 2006-2007 CSSA Board of Directors
worked hard to preserve and uphold the mission of CSSA. We advocated the student
perspective on issues of public higher education, including:
- Continuing work on AB 2813-Cal Grant age increase
- Introducing AB 302, sponsored by Assembly Member Hector De La Torre-providing first-year aid to Cal Grant B recipients
- Developing a stronger Public Higher Education Coalition
- Beginning agressive efforts to raise funds for CSSA's advocacy efforts
In 2005-2006, CSSA successfully sponsored a bill from beginning to end. This process achieved success in June 2006 when AB 2813 reached the governor's desk. This bill was an amazing feat for CSSA because we collaborated with the CSU Alumni Council, the CSU Board of Trustees, the California Faculty Association and our coalition partners.
After our success with AB 2813 and with the unconditional support of Assembly Member Hector De La Torre, we introduced another bill for the 2006-2007 year-AB 302. This bill will provide Cal Grant B recipients financial assistance for fees the first year at a university. AB 2813 addressed the needs of students ages 24-27; and AB 302 focuses on Cal Grant B recipients.
This year we had unprecedented support from our colleagues in the University of California system and the California Community Colleges. Starting early in the year, the leadership from the University of California Students Association (UCSA) and CSSA met regularly to discuss and work together on major issues. In December, we continued our annual budget summit with UCSA and the Community College Statewide Senate. Our coalition grew strong and held numerous Lobby Days in Sacramento. We have developed the roots for a strong coalition of CSU, UC and Community Colleges students!
With the support of invested board members, CSSA was able to reach an all-time fundraising goal of $22,378 for the California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS), and garner a $30,000 grant to support voter education and registration. The $52,378 raised this year allowed CSSA to deliver its mission of access, affordability and quality. This was achieved through the hard work of our Executive Director, Susana Gonzalez, and our Director of Development, Christy Zamani.
I wish everyone the best of luck on their endeavors, and go CSU!
Cordially,
Nadir Vissanjy
Chair of the Board of Directors, 2006-2007