Higher Education Policy Agenda

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Higher Education Policy Agenda"

Quentin Bridges
8 years ago
Views:

1 Higher Education Policy Agenda 0-0

2 Introduction This is one of the most exciting years in CSSA history. We are experiencing an unprecedented level of student involvement in the legislative affairs and systemwide policy process. We, as students, are making every effort to be a part of the shared governance and decision making process and at every level. In this packet, you ll find our main initiatives for the year. These are the external issues that we want to focus on as an organization in order to advocate for the 7,000 students of the CSU in regard to access, affordability and quality. Success through this agenda will result in tangible improvements to a public higher education in California. I am proud to be leading the organization and couldn t ask for better students to work alongside this year. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask. We hope to work alongside you and our system partners this year to accomplish our goals. Sarah Couch President, California State Student Association

These are the external issues that we want to focus on as an organization in order to advocate for the 7,000 students of the CSU in regard to access, affordability and quality.

3 Goal Ensure the improvement and establishment of systemwide programs and resources for students Support the quality of the student experience through assessment and implementation of safety and accessibility needs, as well as and creation of student programs and initiatives that ensure the quality of the student experience on campuses. Strategy Improve the campus experience for the students of the CSU system. Enhance the recruitment and retention of students in campus involvement opportunities by developing relationships with new student and leadership programs. Advocate for increased ADA-accessibility to buildings and programs on campuses. Continue to advocate for gender-inclusive language on CSU application materials. Strategy Ensure the student voice is well-represented on a system-wide level. Create a student white paper that captures student sentiment regarding online education; share the final document with the Chancellor s Office and the Cal State Online Advisory Board. Promote shared governance through the assessment of campus decisionmaking processes regarding issues that affect the student population; Create shared governance report cards/best practices by campus. Urge campuses to incorporate student representation in the discussions and decision-making processes regarding the possible quarter-to-semester conversion, campus calendar synchronization, and the selection of university officials. Strategy Advocate for the system-wide implementation of resources and strategies that promote student, campus, and CSU success. Compile and share best practices related to accessibility of student resources on campus (financial literacy programs, academic technologies, student-alumni programs, internship programs, etc.). Advocate for the CSU system to adopt an updated sustainability policy. See CSSA Resolution in Support of Amending the CSU Sustainability Policy. Support and equip our campus leaders with the tools to drive sustainable practices at their individual campuses, by developing strategies and encouraging students to set quantifiable targets on sustainable practices. Tools include programs like the CSSA Greenovation Fund and a forthcoming student-created sustainability handbook. Advocate to the academic senate (local and statewide) and campuses to pilot and implement academic technology resources (i.e. flip classrooms; tablet programs; e-texts and open source materials).

Strategy Improve the campus experience for the students of the CSU system.

4 Goal Advocate to the State Legislature for the growth and quality of the CSU Increase student participation in advocacy at the state level, both in-district and at the State Capitol, to ensure that the CSU is evaluated for the overall affordability, accessibility and quality of the system. Strategy Continue to advocate members of the legislature for the reinvestment of the CSU that will look to expand its growth into the future. 5 Lobby for the enrollment growth funding in the state budget to allow for an increased amount of students to access the system. Ensure that any effort to apply performance measures to the CSU are enacted as a result of stakeholder input, informed by quality research, and reflect the particular needs of CSU student demographics. Explore options for new and stable funding for the CSU. Advocate for the funding of CSU campuses to maintain modernity. Address financial aid shortfalls that prohibit the state from meeting the original intent of providing an affordable public higher education. Strategy Ensure that the CSU system continues to maintain its level of excellence. Create a student white paper that captures student sentiment regarding online education; share the final document with legislators. Advocate against legislative initiatives that would adversely impact the student experience. Collaborate with campus programs and state officials for the implementation of the DREAM Act and further access to AB 50 rights.

Strategy Continue to advocate members of the legislature for the reinvestment of the CSU that will look to expand its growth into the future.

5 Goal Advocate on behalf of higher education initiatives and legislation at the federal level Increase the affordability and accessibility of the CSU by advocating on behalf of CSU students in Washington, D.C. Strategy Increase Federal Profile to ensure education remains a focus of the administration. Advocate consistently in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the CSU Office of Federal Relations and other higher education partners and stakeholders. Improve and maintain contact with other statewide student associations. Strategy Advocate on higher education policies that impact CSU students. Advocate for protection of funding for the Federal TRIO Programs (outreach and student support services for disadvantaged students) amongst sequestration. Advocate for the protection of, and improvements to, federal financial aid and student loan programs. Maintain an active dialogue in the development of the 0 Higher Education Reauthorization Act (HERA). 5

Improve and maintain contact with other statewide student associations. Strategy Advocate on higher education policies that impact CSU students.

The Academic Senate met on October 31 and November 1 st.

The Academic Senate met on October 31 and November 1 st. 1 The Academic Senate passed commendations honoring the contributions of Trustee Mehas, Executive Vice Chancellor Quillian, and Assistant Vice Chancellor