Multicultural Caucus
To utilize all members of the MCC, the committee decided to learn from each
other's unique backgrounds. At the October conference, Zahra Billoo, Multicultural
Caucus Speaker educated the board about Ramadan and next month's diversity forum
topic will be about homosexuality. Additionally, in November a Dr. James Sauceda
specializing in diversity training will conduct a training session for the board.
The goal of this training is to educate the committee about the everyday
implications of diversity and multiculturalism that affect our work as student
leaders.
The Multicultural Caucus developed strategies for the 2005-2006 policy agenda.
Committee members were assigned to research facts and personal stories about
prejudice towards students of color as well as students from the Lesbian, Gay,
Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Members will also research if
individual ASI's have appointed an officer to focus on issues of diversity and
multiculturalism. Lastly, the contact information for LGBT groups on CSU campuses
will be collected and forwarded to the entire caucus.
To conclude, students-at-large from Humboldt State brought to the committee's
attention their concerns regarding the outreach and retention of students of color
at HSU. Those who are recruited unfortunately are not receiving adequate support
from their campus, which usually results in high drop out and transfer rates.
This issue will be discussed further at the next meeting of the MCC.
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CSU Student Speak Out
On Thursday October 27, 2005, more than a 100 students from each CSU campus attended the Board of Trustees meeting to speak out against the fifth student fee increase since 2001. At the meeting, the trustees voted for an 8% increase in undergraduate fees and 10% increase in graduate fees. Tuition costs for the 2006-2007 academic years will be $1362.00 for undergraduate students and $1707.00 for graduate students per semester.
Student leaders from across the state addressed the trustees and expressed their concerns and disappointment on the proposed 8% fee increases. Josef Anolin, External Vice President from San Francisco State, acknowledged the trustees attempt to institute predictable fee increases. This predictability meant that his peers would know when they will not afford to go to college. “Students already know that they won't see the quality of their education improve even after paying that increased fee,” said Rebecca Balderas, Legislative Affairs Director at San Jose State.
The 2006-2007 budget was approved with the only no vote by Student Trustee Corey Jackson. However, the board will continue by taking their message to Sacramento and holding the state legislature accountable for closing the 200 million dollar gap the CSU will be under funded by in 2006-2007.
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Legislative Affairs Committee Update
With the November 8th Special Election just around the corner, the Legislative Affairs Committee has been focused on non-partisan voter education and get-out-the-vote activities.
The Governmental Relations team reminded all campuses about the importance of collecting and reporting their efforts, to increase student participation in voting and elections. The goal of the committee is to issue press releases to inform the public about what Associated Students and CSSA are doing on each CSU campus to increase non-partisan voter participation amongst young people.
The committee also tackled Proposition 76 - one of the eight initiatives that will appear on the November 8th ballot. Supporters and opponents of this controversial measure where scheduled to have a panel discussion and answer questions from committee members before they voted to support, oppose, or take no position on the issue.
Patrick Riggs, from the California Teachers Association, spoke in opposition to Proposition 76, also known as the “Live Within Our Means” Act. Assembly Member Russ Bogh, was scheduled for a call-in during the meeting, in support of Prop. 76. However, Bogh did not call-in and the Legislative Affairs Committee moved on with their discussion. Due to possible effects on the CSU budget, student fees, and financial aid entitlement programs, the Legislative Affairs Committee voted in favor of taking a “no” stance on Proposition 76.
For more information about Proposition 76 and other measures on the ballot, please visit www.ss.ca.gov and click on Elections. Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 8th! Polls are open from 7am to 8pm. If you have any problems on Election Day, call 800-345- VOTE.
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Internal Review Board
The Internal Review Board met at the Humboldt State conference to review the student trustee applications. CSSA received 14 applications for this second search. The IRB decided to forward the following individuals to the interview committee:
• Andrew LaFlamme- CSU Stanislaus
• Steven Vanover- CSU Northridge
• Tylor Middlestadt- Cal Poly SLO
• Joaquin Ortega- San Diego State
• Jeremy Mills- CSU San Marcos
• Holy Stone- CSU Fullerton
• Chad Charton- CSU Northridge (has since withdrawn his application)
• Holly Stone- CSU Fullerton
• Hironao Okahana- CSU Long Beach
Interviews will be held at the CSU Bakersfield conference. The interview committee will decide how many applicants they wish to forward to the Governor's appointment office. Applicants will be notified of the decision of the Interview Committee on Saturday, November 5 th . Applicants who are forwarded to the Governor's appointment office will be asked to fill out the Governor's online application at: http://appointments.ca.gov/en/form/index.php no later than Wednesday, November 9, 2005.
The IRB will also be meeting at the Bakersfield conference to being preparation for the Spring Trustee Search.
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| University Affairs
The University Affairs Committee developed objectives and strategies in order to implement their goals for the 2005 –2006 policy agenda. The policy agenda consists of enrollment management, collective bargaining, academic advising and parking.
At the October conference, the committee drafted a parking equity resolution, requesting an equitable parking fee structure for students, faculty and staff. The resolution will be voted on at the December conference at San Jose. University Affairs addressed two main issues surrounding parking- equity and utilizing other transportation alternatives.
Committee members will contact each California Faculty Association (CFA) campus representative to discuss the student concerns about parking fees and alternatives to transportation. In addition, the Chair and Vice Chair of University Affairs will meet with John Travis, president of CFA, to discuss this issue. |
Internal Affairs Update
The Internal Affairs Committee (IAC) elected Rob Christensen from Humboldt State as the committee's Vice Chair. At the October conference, the IAC discussed several important items, such as an overview of CSSA policies and procedures, reserve funding, CSSA's strategic plan and the 2004-2005 audit. As recommended by board members, the IAC discussed rotating committee times. In addition to the conference scheduling, the possible areas for allocation of surplus reserve funds and operating funds was discussed.
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More Information
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