Executive Director Susana Gonzalez Reporting on 2005-2006, 2006-2007

The progress made by CSSA has been dynamic, challenging and powerful for California State University students. Every year, the association has competing priorities and is constantly challenged by external forces; however, CSSA board members remained strong and focused thanks to their high level of student leadership qualities. Throughout the years, CSSA staff work diligently to support the board's efforts in advocating their policy agenda and accomplishing priority goals. This year, the board had three priorities: (1) stop student fee increases for 2006-2007, (2) increase the age limits on Cal Grants, and (3) ensure the student voice was reflected in systemwide policy changes that impacted the lives of CSU students.

The leadership of the association was able to progress on priority goals and balance those tasks by moving the strategic plan forward. The approved strategic plan includes five goals. Those goals are:

1. Increase awareness of CSSA's mission, role and accomplishments to its membership, constituents and other entities;
2. Improve the effectiveness of CSSA
   1. aboard of directors development, and
   2. staff professional development;
3. Enhance CSSA's role in advocacy efforts;
4. Develop stability and autonomy for CSSA; and
5. Strengthen shared governance.

Strategic plan accomplishments included:

2005-2006

• Increasing the number of coalition partners CSSA campaigns with.
• Improving CSSA relationship with Associated Students, state legislators, the Office of the Governor, the CSU Board of Trustees, faculty and administrators.
• Having 22 dues-paying campuses out of 23, which allowed for CSSA to improve its advocacy efforts on Assembly Bill 2813 (AB 2813).

2006-2007

• Increasing the number of coalition partners such as UCSA, community colleges, public policy research initiatives and other statewide student associations in the country.
• Raising over $50,000 for advocacy, voter registration and leadership training.
• Hiring field staff that trained students how to implement grassroots organizing tactics to influence CSSA-sponsored legislation, AB 2813.

As a result, CSSA was able to increase its visibility beyond the CSU system. It improved its effectiveness by having over 20 campus trainings and monthly board development sessions, influenced legislation, had student representation in every CSU systemwide policy committees and had a strong financial position to support these goals.

This past two years, CSSA's board of directors has had an amazing impact, leaving a great legacy for future leaders of CSSA. The beauty of working for CSSA is having an opportunity to part of an individual's growth and commitment to social change. Most students leave CSSA with a higher level of public policy knowledge and commitment to making a difference in their community.

The most exciting part is watching CSSA alumni graduate and move into the public and private sectors with an experience that will keep them connected to our wonderful university system and most importantly to the college student perspective.

Susana Gonzalez
CSSA, Executive Director