Statement of Legislative Principles

This Statement of Legislative Principles has been adopted by the board of directors of the CSSA to provide basic parameters guiding positions taken by the Board on matters pending before the California Legislature.

The following constitute the core principles guiding recommendations on legislation:

1. Seek to expand the role that students play in decisions that effect our university while preserving the California State University's statuary and traditional authority over academic affairs and matters related to internal governance of our university.
   
   
2. Remain neutral on matters in which the state appropriately seeks to legislate the general public health and safety while not singling out the California State University or the students thereof, uniquely.
   
   
   1. Seek ample funding for state student financial aid
      
      
   2. Seek to maintain the affordability and accessibility of the CSU through the maintenance of a reasonable tuition level.
      
      
   3. Assist the California State University in acquiring a favorable budget through lobbying members of the legislature, testifying before committees, and any other mean decided in conjunction with the CSU Office of Governmental Affairs.
      
      
3. Preserve the integrity of the California State University's budgetary process, and seek adequate funding for state-mandated programs.
   
   
4. Support those matters that would positively influence the maintenance and enhancement of diversity and multiculturalism within the state public educational system. Seek to expand those programs and practices that encourage equal access to and participation by all CSU qualified students, including but not limited to outreach and retention services.
   
   
5. Seek to influence the outcome of some issues, which, while not affecting the California State University alone, would have a disproportionate impact on the University's unique activities.
   
   
6. Seek to provided representation by the California State Student Association on appropriate boards, commissions, task forces, study groups, etc., that may have an impact on the system.
   
   
7. The Chair of the California State Student Association is recognized as the spokesperson for the positions on behalf of the Board of Directors. Positions taken should be discussed with the chair of the appropriate standing committee and voted on by the board as a whole, or made in accordance with the pre-established guidelines for emergency actions of the chair.