California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS)
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CHESS XIV |
CHESS XIV- Every year, the Board of Directors of the California State Student Association (CSSA) hosts student leaders from colleges and universities to attend the California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS). CHESS attracts university leaders, student advocates, higher education policy experts, public officials, alumni and students from across the golden state. This conference is one of a kind, being the only statewide conference planned specifically for CSU students.
This year, the CHESS committee has extended its invitation to student leaders from other higher education institutions and statewide student associations to participate at the 13th annual leadership and advocacy summit, CHESS XIV.
At CHESS, students gain experience by collaborating with each other and encouraging their peers to become civically engaged and empowered to be a change agent for an accessible and affordable quality public higher education. The sessions that contribute to their leadership skills include the power of civic engagement and social change. Also, students have an opportunity to interact and network with leaders across the state and beyond!
The goal of CHESS XIV is to allow college students to learn by personal experiences and become certified student leaders. The sessions’ learning outcomes are to create civic leaders in respective communities, empower a vision for positive social change and define the next step after graduation. Sessions focus on higher education policy, the importance of civic engagement and understanding the role of government in public higher education.
Also, student leaders learn how to recruit, organize and train volunteers. The conference provides two days of educational sessions followed a press conference and “CSU Student Advocacy Day at the State Capitol” to implement the skills they learned over the weekend. Sessions also provide techniques and tools on how to develop a strong network and understanding of the importance relationship building has both personal and professional development. Network events include the CSSA Alumni Welcome Reception and a Leadership Awards Banquet. CHESS truly strengthens the leadership skills of student leaders, the future leaders of California.
For More Information Call:
Who Should Attend the California Higher Education Student Summit?
- Students with a passion to be change agents in their communities and influence public policy
- Students interested in educational opportunities for all Californians
- Students active in student government, student programming or campus clubs and organizations
- Students interested in developing their leadership skills
- Students with areas of study in leadership, public policy, political science, community development and/or university administration
- Students who want to understand how to influence California’s lawmakers
- Students who have an interest in CA’s government
- Students who want to learn the skills necessary to create a change in their campus and/or local communities
- Students looking for the opportunity to network with other students leaders
Be A Sponsor
CSSA is a non-profit 501(c)3, non-partisan organization that exists to coordinate communication and advocate the student perspective on behalf of 23 California State Universities. CSSA provides an opportunity for students to learn hands on leadership skills on how to be civic responsible leaders of the state of California. Such experiences include leadership skills, the importance of civic engagement and advocating on behalf of over 450,000 students on issues related to youth vote, financial aid, college affordability (student fees) and access for underrepresented populations.
Your financial contributions and corporate sponsorships support CSSA’s efforts to create civic leaders for a democratic society.
For more information on donations, partnerships and sponsorships, please contact Susana Gonzalez, Executive Director, at (562) 951-4025.
The certified student leadership program allows students to be certified in an area of interest. Students that attend CHESS have the option to sign up to attend a series of workshops and become certified in skills that provide them with the necessary skill to be responsible civic citizens in our Californian communities. The 2009 Workshop Tracks Include:
- CA Legislative Process and Advocacy
- Campus Action
- Student Leadership
- Statewide Student Issues
- Multicultural Perspectives in Public Higher Education
- Advanced Student Leader
Registering Information
| CHESS XIV Registration Category |
Early Bird Rate (Up to 2/18/09) |
Regular Rate (2/19/09 - 3/16/09) |
|---|---|---|
| Student | ||
| CSSA Member Campus | $100 |
$150 |
| Other Campus | $130 |
$195 |
| Non Student | $200 |
$300 |
Chess XIV Registration Form (.pdf).
To register print and fax form to (562) 951-4860.
On site registration is not available
Location and Accommodations
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
1230 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-1700 (Ask for CSSA or CHESS)
Or to book your hotel room online click here and
automatically receive the CHESS rate.
The Sheraton Grand Sacramento is located in the beautifully restored historic Public Market Building. Situated in the heart of downtown Sacramento, you will find the city’s best within blocks of the hotel. Travelers will find the Sacramento Convention Center conveniently located across the street from the hotel and the State Capitol Complex just a block away.
Ask for the special "CHESS 14" group rate of $149 per night for single to quad occupancy for limited time. Please contact the hotel directly to make reservations by March 16, 2009.
Deadline:
"Early Bird" rate, your registration must be received by 5:00 pm February 18, 2009
Make final registration and hotel reservations by Monday, March 16, 2009

