University Affairs Committee Update

The committee discussed and reviewed the parking equity resolution in November and in December the resolution will come to a vote. Jim Blackburn, Associate Director for Enrollment Management for Student Academic Support Office of the Chancellor, addressed the committee about enrollment management and academic advising. Blackburn informed the committee about the 22 points of facilitating graduation that the Board of Trustees has proposed to the university presidents.

In addition two other issues were discussed during the committee, first the committee discussed drafting a resolution on encouraging professors to turn in their requisitions on time. Second item discussed was Hosty v. Carter, the Seventh Circuit court case where the court ruled by a 7-4 majority that administrators at public colleges have control over subsidized student newspapers. The committee will consider addressing this issue next month because it censors freedom of the student press.

------------------------------------------------

Legislative Affairs Committee Update

In November, the Legislative Affairs Committee was focused on preparing for the upcoming legislative session and reviewed the results of the CSSA Voter Education, Registration, and Mobilization (VERM) campaign.

First, committee members approved the final changes to the Legislative Affairs Policy Agenda. The committee's 2005-2006 policy agenda contains two policy goals: 1) To increase state financial aid for needy students and 2) to reduce the cost of textbooks.

Second, the committee was briefed on the outcomes of the 2005 VERM campaign. Reported to the committee that nearly 5,000 students had been registered to vote statewide.

Finally, Legislative Affairs Committee Chair, Mark Weber (CSU San Marcos) praised students for their work on the policy agenda and the VERM campaign. He also reminded them that this was only the beginning: The legislature starts up in January, and the California State Primary Election will be held in June. Let's keep up the good work!

Associated Student President Highlight:

Jamie Pollock

California State University, Long Beach

Jamie Pollock is a 22-year-old native to Long Beach, California. Jamie's undergraduate degree from CSULB was Film and Electronic Arts and currently she is a graduate student in the Masters Business Administration program at CSULB with an emphasis in Marketing. Two films she produced are being showcased in festivals around the U.S. Jamie's involvement with Associated Students Inc includes positions such as Senator for College of the Arts, Public Relations Commissioner, and a board member for the 49er Shops. Currently, she is working the dual role of student body President and CEO of Associated Students Inc.

Jamie's goals as ASI President at CSULB are:

1. Increase the visibility of Beach Pride
2. Continue President Maxson's legacy of shared governance on campus
3. Encourage the integration of Athletics and the Arts in the student community
4. Strengthen ASI's relationship with the City of Long Beach
5. Develop the effectiveness of multicultural events on campus
6. Reach out to commuter students through awareness of Associated Students

Jamie feels that the biggest issue facing CSU students is the lack of information students receive about the increasing student fees. She states, “It is our job as student leaders to educate our campuses and surrounding communities, and not only serve as a student advocate, but to integrate our students into the movement of affordable and accessible higher education.”

Jamie is excited to be a student at CSULB with the transition of a new university President. She recently conducted a workshop for the student government and highlights of the workshop were made available for President King Alexander.

Board Of Trustees Update

At the Board of Trustees meeting during November, the California Education Code Title V Student Code and Conduct was reviewed. During the code's initial revision period, a consultation by the Chancellor's office staff was presented to faculty and students. The trustees voted yes to pass the revisions made to Title V. The Chancellor will issue an Executive Order, prescribing implementation for CSU campuses.

The Finance Committee reviewed the 2005-2006 Student Fee Report, which outlines the current fees students' pay for tuition and the increase that has been implemented over the last four years. Discussion from the trustees resulted in an Adhoc Committee under the Educational Policy Committee. The task force will research other sources of funding for the CSU to replace student fee increases. Mona Mohammadi, vice chair of external affairs for CSSA, has requested to serve on the committee.

The board also reviewed CSU Chico's online academic advising services. In addition, the board approved the construction of two parking structures for CSU San Bernardino- usage of the structures is planned for December 2007.

Multicultural Caucus Update

The Multicultural Caucus has officially approved a policy agenda for the coming year. The three priorities are campus homophobia, faculty recruitment and retention with regards to diversity.

These priorities, as well as determining an appropriate method for institutionalizing the work of the Caucus within CSSA, will guide the work in the coming months.The faculty issue was discussed in depth regarding hiring methods and the implications of tenure.

The board participated in a diversity training hosted by the Multicultural Caucus. Dr. James Manso-Sauceda, Director of the Multicultural Center at CSU Long Beach, discussed the implications of the language we use. Since one of the goals of the Multicultural Caucus is to combat racism, we must ensure it is not embedded in our everyday conversations!

More Information
---------------------

Ideas, comments, questions? Have news or other information to share? Contact

Alexandria Cordon at acordon@calstate.edu