CHESS EDUCATE EMPOWER ADVOCATE

Transcription

1 CHESS EDUCATE EMPOWER ADVOCATE

2 ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT SUMMIT The California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS) is an annual conference that attracts students, university leaders, public officials, and higher education policy experts for a common purpose to educate and empower California State University (CSU) students to advocate effectively on issues important to them. Hosted by the California State Student Association, this conference is the only statewide higher education advocacy conference planned specifically for CSU students. CHESS workshop sessions focus on outcomes related to knowledge and understanding of higher education policy issues, California governance, and the role of interest groups and advocates. The conference culminates on Monday, March 14, 2016, when CSU campus delegations participate in CSU Student Advocacy Day. This final conference component provides students the experience of transferring their knowledge and skills into action through lobby visits at the State Capitol. ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION CSSA serves California State University students, advocates for student interests, and engages students in public higher education policy making. As the single recognized voice for the students of the California State University system, CSSA represents, serves, and protects the collective interests of students in the CSU system. The association s board of directors is made up of student leaders from the 23 CSU campuses, representing approximately 460,000 students. Over the last 57 years, CSSA has collaborated with university administration, the legislature, fellow students, faculty, alumni, and community partners to affect positive change for students in California. It remains our goal to claim victories on legislation affecting public higher education, mark accomplishments through the shared governance process with university administration, and to respond to the needs of campus student associations at a local level. Through involvement with CSSA, students develop a vast understanding of California public policy and gain effective leadership skills that carry over into professional, civic, and social life.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter Conference Information Keynote Speaker General Sessions Workshops Overview Session I Workshops Session II Workshops Sessions III Workshops Acknowledgments Notes CSSA s Successful Legislation CSSA s Recent Accomplishments 15 Schedule of Events (Back Cover) EDUCATE I EMPOWER I ADVOCATE 2

4 Welcome to Sacramento! On behalf of the CSSA Board of Directors, welcome to the twenty-first annual California Higher Education Student Summit, CHESS XXI! As Interim Executive Director of the California State Student Association (CSSA), it is my privilege to work with the best and brightest student leaders from across the CSU s 23 diverse campuses. This year, we hope to take you on an engaging journey where you ll learn about critical issues facing the CSU and its students and, most importantly, leave with the tools to affect positive change for our system. Throughout the conference, I encourage you to think about how what you are learning connects with your personal CSU story. That story is what we want you share with your legislators so that they #StandwithCSU in The CSSA staff, Board of Directors, and CHESS Committee have worked hard to bring you this conference and we hope you find it to be both fun and educational. In addition to the program we developed, you will find opportunities to visit Sacramento State University, network with peers, and visit the home of our state capitol. I urge you to utilize this conference to gain the knowledge and skills you need to be strong leaders and to effectively advocate for reinvesting in California s future. Last, please let us know how we can help you have a successful experience at this conference. Our staff and student leaders are available to assist you throughout your time in Sacramento. Should you have any urgent needs or concerns, please don t hesitate to contact me directly on my cell phone at (661) Thank you for being here, have a great weekend, and Go CSU!!! Meredith V. Turner Interim Executive Director California State Student Association

5 CONFERENCE INFORMATION Event Information We want to ensure that your CHESS experience exceeds your expectations. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please do not hesitate to stop by the registration table in the foyer on the lower level of the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Event staff and volunteers are available to assist you throughout the duration of the conference. The registration table also offers the following services: Information about CSSA Payment and Receipts Evaluation Form Drop-Off Select Replacement Materials Lost and Found Name Badges Your name badge will be required for workshops, general sessions, and to obtain meals. If you need to replace a lost name badge, you can do so at the registration table. CHESS XX1 Evaluations Help us improve CHESS each year! In addition to filling out session evaluations, please be sure to complete and submit the CHESS XX1 Evaluation. The form includes feedback on the hotel, food, speakers, learning outcomes, and the event as a whole. Please submit your evaluation forms at the registration table. For every completed evaluation form you submit, you will receive a raffle ticket for prizes to be drawn at the banquet dinner. Campus Pride Dinner The campus pride competition gives CHESS attendees the opportunity to show their pride by wearing their campus gear on Sunday and demonstrate what makes each California State University campus unique. Each campus will be entered into a friendly competition taking place during Sunday s dinner to be judged by the CHESS Committee. The winning campus will be announced at the dinner. CSU Student Advocacy Day at the State Capitol For many students, Monday s CSU Student Advocacy Day will be their very first time meeting with members of the state legislature. Throughout the conference, there will be CSU Student Advocacy Day preparation and training. During the CSU Student Advocacy Day preparation periods, experienced trainers work with delegations to: Provide information and materials on messaging so students are prepared to ask legislators to make public higher education a priority; Provide tips and pitfalls for meeting with legislators; Establish advocacy roles within your campus delegation; Role-play successful visits; Discuss appropriate procedures for following up after the meetings; and Answer any questions. Attire Sunday During the workshops and dinner we want to you be comfortable and casual. No need to wear business attire to the dinner campus gear is recommended, as that s when your campus will have the opportunity to display its pride in a friendly campus spirit competition. Attire Monday at the Capitol We want legislators to know students are present in the capitol building, advocating for the CSU. Campus gear, or Made in the CSU gear, is encouraged. EDUCATE I EMPOWER I ADVOCATE 4

6 CHESS KEYNOTE SPEAKER 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Kevin de León Senate President pro Tempore 24th Senate District The first Latino elected President pro Tempore of the California State Senate in more than 130 years, Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) is setting a bold agenda to give every kid a fair shot at a higher education and to combat climate change while building a new, low-carbon economy with opportunities for all Californians. Leading the Senate of the largest state in the union, Senator de León takes on challenging issues that strengthen the national reach of California s policy-making. Legislative accomplishments include trailblazing authorship of the Yes Means Yes bill to protect college students against violence and sexual abuse; Assembly Bill 31 which allocated local park assistance funds to communities lacking parks and green space, resulting in 126 park projects across the state; Workers Compensation reform that lowered insurance costs for businesses, while increasing workers benefits; and lead negotiator for the expansion of California s Film and Television Tax Credit to keep Hollywood s production jobs at home in the Golden State. De Leon credits his immigrant mother for teaching him the nobility of a hard day s work and our shared obligation to build a brighter future for the next generation. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school, later earning a degree with Honors from Pitzer College. He is a Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California. His daughter is a student in college. 5 CHESS XX1

7 GENERAL SESSIONS The Power of a Coalition: The #StandwithCSU Budget Advocacy Campaign in 2016 General Session I (8:45 AM - 9:15 AM) In 2014, after several years of devastating budget cuts to the CSU, the CSU administration, students, faculty, and staff came together to advocate for renewed investment in the CSU. From this budget coalition was born the #StandwithCSU campaign, a collaborative, consistent, and innovative advocacy effort aimed to get legislative support for more investment in the CSU. One year later, the CSU received its first fully funded budget in nearly 10 years. Hear first-hand from Nichole Muñoz-Murillo of the CSU Office of Advocacy and State Relations about the political landscape in 2016, this year s #StandwithCSU campaign, and the critical role of students in advocacy. Nichole Muñoz-Murillo, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advocacy and State Relations, California State University Meet the CSU Student Trustees General Session II (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) As the governing board for the largest comprehensive public university system in the country, the CSU Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight of the California State University system by adopting its rules, regulations, and policies. Now, what does that even mean? In this session, you will have the opportunity to connect with members of the board and learn more about the system wide issues being discussed at the table. With more than 460,000 students in the CSU system, discover why the student voice is necessary in shaping the future of higher education in California and serving as a model for the rest of the nation. Kelsey Brewer, Trustee, California State University; Maggie White, Trustee, California State University Change the Story, Change the World General Session III (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM) Since we first began talking to each other, telling stories has been a powerful way to capture attention, engage an audience, and motivate them to act. As we learn more about how our minds work, we re also discovering that stories are intrinsic to decision-making and shape our view of the world. In her presentation, Change the Story, Change the World, storytelling expert Celia Hoffman will explain why stories remain the single most powerful communication tool you possess, and she will offer specific ways you can use stories during your time in Sacramento. Celia Hoffman, Associate Director, The Goodman Center EDUCATE I EMPOWER I ADVOCATE 6

8 WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW Sunday, March 13, 2015 Workshop Tracks Please select workshops to attend during each breakout session. Detailed workshop descriptions can be found on the following pages. Workshop Session I (9:30 AM 10:30 AM) Session A Fast Track to Becoming an Effective Advocate Session B Campus Sexual Assault: Changing Culture and Policy Session C Powerful Stories: Incorporating Student Data Into Advocacy Workshop Session II (10:45 AM 11:45 AM) Session A The CSU Graduation Rate: Improving Campus Climate & Inclusivity Session B The Financial Future of the CSU and the Role of Advocacy in its Success Session C Access Denied: The Danger of Rising Selectivity at California s Public Universities Session D CSSA Alumni in the Capitol Workshop Session III (1:15 PM 2:15 PM) Session A California s State Budget and its Impact on CSU Students Session B The Capitol in 2016 and What It Means for Public Higher Education Session C California Financial Aid and its Role in Student Access and Success Session D Mock Lobby Visits Finding Your Best Workshop Match First-Timers Are you new to advocacy? Is this your first time at CHESS or meeting with legislators in the capitol? If so, we recommend that you attend BLUE workshops, which are geared towards helping you master the steps to effective advocacy and make you feel more comfortable telling your story to legislators. Returning to CHESS Have you attended CHESS before or participated in an advocacy meeting with a local legislator? Did you feel pretty comfortable telling your story to legislators but think you could use a combination of a refresher course and new information? If so, we recommend that you attend GREEN workshops, which will provide an overview of advocacy best practices while also introducing you to new information and tools to use in your legislative visits. Advocacy Expert Are you a CHESS aficionado? Do you organize and lead advocacy meetings with students from your campus? If so, we recommend that you attend RED workshops, which will provide you with detailed information about the state budget, student data, and the financial future of the CSU that you can artfully incorporate into your campus delegation s advocacy story. 7 CHESS XX1

9 A WORKSHOP SESSIONS I 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Fast Track to Becoming an Effective Advocate Let s be honest meeting with a legislator and advocating on issues that are important to you and students on your campus is hard. It requires an understanding of the member you re meeting with, a thoughtful presentation of the important issues you are highlighting, and an ability to adapt to an uncertain situation. This workshop will help calm those nerves and ensure you re prepared by equipping you with the tools you need to be an effective advocate. Chelsea Minor, Director of Public Relations & Public Affairs, Raley s Family of Fine Stores; Former ASI President at CSU Stanislaus Beavis B Campus Sexual Assault: Changing Culture and Policy In recent years, the issue of sexual assault on college campuses has been catapulted into the spotlight. Staggering statistics highlighting that one in five women will be sexually assaulted while in college have launched investigations by the Department of Justice, state and federal policy changes, and conversations around campus climate. This workshop will help empower students to tackle campus sexual assault through both campus-based solutions as well as state policy. Presenters: Kate Karpilow, Executive Director, California Center for Research on Women and Families; Deanna Jarquin, Speaker, CSSA Social Justice and Equity Council; Bondi C Powerful Stories: Incorporating Student Data Into Advocacy At CHESS, you take in a lot of information about legislation, the state budget and its impact on CSU students, and navigating meetings with legislators. Simultaneously, CSSA provides you with materials, or leave behinds, to share during your meetings. At this workshop, the creators of these leave behinds will walk you through how to best utilize them to tell your story and that of the students on your campus. Presenters: Agatha Gucyski, Vice President of Finance, CSSA; Amparo Diaz, Government Relations Coordinator, CSSA Tofanelli EDUCATE I EMPOWER I ADVOCATE 8

10 A B The CSU Graduation Rate: Improving Campus Climate and Inclusivity CSU students are learning in dynamic instructional and extracurricular environments that positively impact their success. Service learning, participation in research, and hands-on linked learning are just some programs being successfully applied across CSU campuses in an effort to increase retention, the graduation rate, and completion. Because they set college learning into real-world situations and play to multiple learning styles, they are vital for improving campus climate and inclusivity. Understanding these practices can help you advocate to further CSU support from policy-makers who are not aware of the many high-impact practices utilized in the CSU. WORKSHOP SESSIONS II 10:45 AM 11:45 AM Ken O Donnell, Senior Director of Student Engagement and Academic Initiatives and Partnerships, California State University Beavis The Financial Future of the CSU the Role of Advocacy in its Success Over the past year, a group called the CSU Sustainable Financial Model Taskforce, made up of various system stakeholders, worked on evaluating the long-term financial sustainability of the CSU given its critical mission to serve the people of California. While the final report, recently reviewed by the CSU Board of Trustees, is an important reflection on the future of the CSU, CSSA has several concerns about the system s future affordability and accessibility for students. However, CSSA also believes that this document can be used as an effective advocacy tool to relay the importance of state investment in the CSU and its students. In this workshop, receive an update about the CSU Sustainable Financial Model Report and how students can use it to advocate for full investment in the CSU. Taylor Herren, President, CSSA; Kelsey Brewer, Trustee, California State University Bondi C Access Denied: The Danger of Rising Selectivity at California s Public Universities Attend this session to hear about research from The Campaign for College Opportunity including the state of Latinos, Blacks and AANHPI in higher education, Keeping the Promise: An Update on Transfer Reform, and Access Denied: Rising Selectivity at CA Public Universities. This workshop will offer participants a firsthand look at California s higher education landscape and the progress and challenges facing students seeking to access, transfer to or successfully graduate (on time) at California State Universities. Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, Campaign for College Opportunity Tofanelli D CSSA Alumni in the Capitol In this workshop, get the inside scoop about advocacy from CSSA alumni who now work in the capitol community. Learn best practices about lobby visits, including how to answer tough questions, make the best case for your students, and leave a positive impression. Presenters: Sarah Couch, Legislative Aide, Office of Assembly Member Tom Lackey; Vance Jarrard, Legislative Aide Office of Assembly Member Ling Ling Chang; Manolo Platin Morales, Senior Legislative Advocate, Personal Insurance Federation of California; Jay Jefferson, Legislative Aide, Office of Assembly Member Mike Gipson Carr 9 CHESS XX1

11 A WORKSHOP SESSIONS III 1:15 PM 2:15 PM California s State Budget and its Impact on CSU Students Governor Brown s proposed budget will appropriate $140.4 million in funds to the CSU in 2016/17, making this the fourth consecutive year that state is investing in its future through the CSU. However, the proposed budget is $101 million short of what the CSU Board of Trustees are proposing to help address the system s true needs. While the state s funding will allow the CSU to get back on stable footing, the system as a whole is frayed and it is time for our friends in the legislature to support student success. The higher education budget affects every student in the California State University (CSU) system, and understanding its role in this process will further enable you to defend the need for continued investment in the CSU. Ryan Storm, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Budget, California State University Beavis B The Capitol in 2016 and What It Means for Public Higher Education Explore the 2016 political landscape with higher education consultant Scott Lay. Mr. Lay will discuss the salient budgetary and higher education policy issues considered during the current legislative session, while connecting those issues to the political realities currently affecting California s legislature. You ll leave this workshop with a better understanding of the pressing legislative issues in 2016 and how higher education fits into a larger conversation about California s 2016/17 budget. Scott Lay, Principal Consultant, Lay Consulting LLC Bondi C California Financial Aid and its Role in Student Access and Success More than fifty percent of CSU students receive some form of financial aid. As the cost of college rises, even more students will rely on grants and loans to finance their higher education. This workshop will discuss the impact of the California state budget, the status of the Cal Grant program, as well as the state financial aid landscape for Laura Szabo-Kubitz, California Project Manager, The Institute for College Access and Success Tofanelli D Mock Lobby Visits This is your last chance before Monday to practice what you ve learned! Join students from your campus in small, hands-on mock lobby visit sessions where CSSA executive board members and seasoned students will walk you through various lobby meeting scenarios and provide feedback on how to make the most of your visits in the capitol. Edgar Garcia, VP of Legislative Affairs, CSSA; Pablo Garnica, Lobby Corp Officer, CSSA; Tyler Aguilar, Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs, CSSA Carr EDUCATE I EMPOWER I ADVOCATE 10

12 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CSSA would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their commitment to CHESS XXI: CHESS XX1 PLANNING COMMITTEE Melissa Bardo, Committee Chair, Sacramento State Luis Cardenas, CSU East Bay Tyler Aguilar, San Diego State Kaitlyn Sims, Fresno State Zhané Gay, San Jose State John Butzer, CSU Channel Islands Julian Herrera, Cal Poly Pomona CSSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Taylor Herren, President Lauren Lombardo, Chair Edgar Garcia, Vice President of Legislative Affairs Alfredo Barcenas, Vice President of University Affairs Agatha Gucyski, Vice President of Finance CSSA STAFF Meredith Vivian Turner, Interim Executive Director Cecelia Caro, Senior Manager of Finance & Administration Amparo Díaz, Government Relations Coordinator Christopher Woolett, Communications & Graphic Design Shati Parks, Administrative Assistant CSU STUDENT TRUSTEES Kelsey Brewer, CSU Fullerton Maggie White, CSU Stanislaus WELCOME RECEPTION Associated Students, Inc. at Sacramento State CSSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS & REPRESENTATIVES Bakersfield Channel Islands Chico Dominguez Hills Mike Kwon Monique Reyna Deanna Jarquin Maria Gadduang Michelle Noyes Nick Howell Jordan Sylvestre East Bay Fresno Fullerton Humboldt David Lopez Kaitlyn Sims Annabelle Landry Madison Whaley Pablo Garnica Abigail Hudson Michael Badal Juan Cervantes Long Beach Los Angeles Maritime Monterey Bay Mayra Catalan Ejmin Hakobian Lawrence Northrop Isabelle Franz Jose Salazar Lucas Mitchell Emma Richardson Northridge Pomona Sacramento San Bernardino Jorge Reyes Julian Herrera Melissa Bardo Amanda Monroy Eric Martinez Diana Ascencio Ryan Brown Bryce Davis San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo Tyler Agular Naeemah Charles Zhane Gay Owen Schwaegerle Pheobe Dye LooLoo Amante Christopher Lopez San Marcos Sonoma Stanislaus Jamaela Johnson Brandon Mercer Nichole Larson Tiffaney Boyd Kate Chavez Noriel Mostajo 11 CHESS XX1

13 NOTES

14 Sponsored SUCCESSFUL LEGISLATION SPONSORED & SUPPORTED BY CSSA SB 1210 (Lara): California DREAM Loan Program The DREAM Loan Program would provide a reliable avenue for eligible undocumented students to be able to access loans to help fill the financial gap between financial aid and family contribution. AB 798 (Bonilla) College Textbook Affordability Act of 2015 This bill would create the Open Educational Resources Adoption Incentive Fund (AIF) that would provide funding to local campus, faculty, and staff to increase student access to free open educational resources (OER) at the California Community Colleges, and the California State University. Supported SB 178/798: Student Financial Aid: Cal Grant Program Together these bills will increase the amount of financial aid available to low-income Cal Grant B recipients to cover college costs beyond tuition and fees SB 1022 (Huff): Labor Market Outcome Information This bill would require the California State University, and request the University of California, to publicly provide labor market outcome information relating to the graduates of their undergraduate programs and authorize the CSU and the UC to publicly provide labor market outcome information relating to the graduates of their graduate programs. SB 967 (De Leon): Student safety: sexual assault Would require the governing boards of each community college district, the Trustees of the California State University, the Regents of the University of California, and the governing boards of independent postsecondary institutions, to adopt policies concerning sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking that include certain elements, including an affirmative consent standard in the determination of whether consent was given by a complainant. AB 2736 (Williams) - Postsecondary education: California State University Authorizes the trustees to fix a fee for voluntary in a specified statewide student body organization. This bill would require the trustees to provide students the ability to affirmatively elect to pay the fee, or a clear and unambiguous means to decline payment of the fee, each time the fee is assessed. AB 2160 (Ting) Cal Grant Program : Grade Point Average This bill would require that, except for pupils who opt out, each pupil enrolled in grade 12 be deemed a Cal Grant applicant. The bill would require, except for pupils who have opted out, that a grade point average be submitted electronically for all grade 12 pupils at public schools each academic year. AB 1000 (Weber) California State University: student success fees This bill specifies certain requirements for the consideration and enactment of student success fees. AB 1796 (Linder) Franchise Tax Board: Refunds: Direct Deposit: Taxpayer Form Instructions Would require the Franchise Tax Board to revise taxpayer form instructions for tax returns to include information about the ability of a taxpayer to directly deposit a portion of a refund into the Golden State Scholarshare College Savings Trust. AB 2350 (Bonilla): Equity in Higher Education Act: prevention of pregnancy discrimination Would express various legislative findings and declarations relating to pregnancy discrimination. The bill would add to the Equity in Higher Education Act a provision specifying that this policy of freedom from discrimination includes, but is not limited to, freedom from pregnancy discrimination as described in a specified federal statute. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. AB 1443 (Skinner): Unpaid Interns Would provide that discrimination against any person in the selection, termination, training, or other terms or treatment of that person in an unpaid internship, or another limited duration program to provide unpaid work experience for that person, or the harassment of an unpaid intern or volunteer, on account of the factors described above is an unlawful employment practice. AB 2324 (Williams) : Trustees of the CSU : faculty member of the board Would allow a faculty member to remain on the board of Trustees of the California State University after his or her 2-year term expires, if the Governor has not appointed a successor, for one additional year, or until a successor is appointed by the Governor, whichever occurs first. SB 113 (Jackson): Elections: Voter Registration Would lower the minimum age for purposes of submitting an affidavit of registration pursuant to the provisions of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 to 16 years of age. The bill also would make conforming changes to existing law. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. AB 1228 (Gipson) Postsecondary Education: campus housing : priority for homeless youth Requests UC and CSU to provide priority on-campus housing to current and former homeless youth. In addition, it requests these universities that maintain student housing facilities open for occupation during school breaks, or on a year-round basis, provide priority housing registration to former foster youth at no extra cost during academic or campus breaks. AB 1307 (McCarty) Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act Would make permanent the policies established in the 2013 Working Families Student Fee Transparency Act regarding system wide fee policy. 13

15 THE VOICE FOR CSU STUDENTS The following is a brief list of accomplishments CSSA has claimed over the last few years. Join us in celebrating these victories for CSU students. University Affairs Legislative Affairs Shared Governance Improved shared governance in the CSU system by advocating for new and improved policies, including a policy requiring student membership on all CSU auxiliary governing boards. CSUnity Launched the annual CSUnity student leadership conference, in partnership with the Auxiliary Organizations Association, with over 150 student leaders in attendance. The conference focuses on providing training for the legal, ethical, and fiscal responsibilities that come with serving on a governing board. CSU Smoke Free Workgroup Participated in the development of model policies for smoke and tobacco free CSU campuses. Final recommendations for a more healthy and smoke/tobacco free CSU system are slated to be released this year. Affordable Learning Solutions Promoted the Affordable Learning Solutions campaign to help connect students to low cost and free course materials and provide increased choice for students/ faculty in utilizing academic technology. White Paper on Online Education Published a white paper identifying student perspectives regarding online learning and reiterating the importance of affordable academic technology being incorporated into CSU courses as a means to best serve the CSU student population. Sustainability Awarded 50 grants to various student sustainability initiatives via the CSSA Greenovation Fund. Greenovation is an ongoing CSSA grant program that empowers students to make positive change in their campus environments while enhancing the sustainability profile of CSU campuses. Participated in the CSU Sustainability Task Force. The taskforce created a vision for sustainable systemwide operations on CSU campuses, including reduction of greenhouse emissions, construction of LEED certified buildings, recycling programs, and more. #StandwithCSU 2014 saw the creation of the #StandwithCSU campaign, a dynamic, social media-driven budget advocacy strategy by the CSU, CSSA, and the CSU Academic Senate. The campaign included securing signatures from 2/3 of the legislature in support of additional funding for the CSU, #StandwithCSU door posters, regular social media engagements, and hundreds of legislative visits. The campaign reached new heights in its second year with the distribution of #StandwithCSU socks for all legislators to wear on June 4, After 18 months of hard work, the CSU received an additional $97 million in state funding, its first fully funded budget request in nearly ten years. CHESS XX The California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS) is a three-day conference seeking to train and empower students to advocate for greater access to an affordable, quality education in California. The 2015 conference included educational sessions on higher education policy issues and interactive trainings on how to lobby members of the state legislature. Keynote speakers and workshop presenters included Speaker Toni Atkins, Ben Adler of Capitol Public Radio, Jessie Ryan of the Campaign for College Opportunity, Laura Szabo-Kubitz of TICAS, CSSA alumna Chelsea Minor, and several key CSU staff. The summit culminated with an advocacy day at the state capitol, where student delegations met with legislators and staff to advocate for an additional $97 million in state funding for the CSU, as well as CSSA s sponsored bill, AB 798, which aims to lower textbook costs through greater use of free Open Educational Resources at CSU campuses. Federal Advocacy CSSA continues to increase its presence in Washington, D.C., sending students to the nation s capital in fall 2014 and again in spring 2015 for the annual CSU Hill Day. CSSA student leaders met with several California Congressional members, the Senate HELP committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and higher education nonprofit partners, including Young Invincibles, National Campus Leadership Council, and The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS). Students advocated for improving campus climate through sexual assault education and prevention measures, reforming student loan repayment options and interest rates, and reinstating year-round Pell grant funding.

16 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel 1230 J St., Sacramento, CA SATURDAY, March 12, :00 AM - 5:00 PM Optional CSSA Board Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Breakfast and lunch will be provided only to those registered to attend the board meeting. Capitol View Room, Hyatt Regency 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Registration & Check-in CHESS Welcome Reception Sheraton Lobby Capitol Room, Harper Alumni Center, Sac State SUNDAY, March 13, :00 AM - 8:45 AM Registration & Breakfast Sheraton Lobby 8:30 AM Welcome to CHESS XXI Taylor Herren, CSSA President 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM General Session I The Power of a Coalition: The #StandwithCSU Budget Advocacy Campaign in :30 AM - 10:30 AM 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM a1:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Workshop Session I A) Fast Track to Becoming an Effective Advocate B) Campus Sexual Assault: Changing Culture & Policy C) Powerful Stories: Incorporating Student Data into Advocacy Workshop Session II A) The CSU Graduation Rate: Improving Campus Climate & Inclusivity B) The Financial Future of the CSU & the Role of Advocacy in its Success C) Access Denied: The Danger of Rising Selectivity at CA s Public Universities D) CSSA Alumni in the Capitol Lunch & General Session II Meet the CSU Student Trustees Workshop Session III A) California s State Budget and its Impact on CSU Students B) The Capitol in 2016 and What It Means for Public Higher Education C) California Financial Aid and its Role in Student Access and Success D) Mock Lobby Visits ageneral Session III Change the Story, Change the World Beavis Bondi Tofanelli Beavis Bondi Tofanelli Carr Beavis Bondi Tofanelli Carr 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Keynote Address Kevin de Leon, Senate President pro Tempore 24th Senate District 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CHESS Banquet Campus Spirit Competition CSSA Awards MONDAY, March 14, :00 AM Check-out of hotel 9:30 AM 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Senate Floor Visit with Senator Ricardo Lara *Due to space on the Senate Floor, this is limited to 40 students. Any other students available at this time can participate from the Senate gallery, which is located on the 3rd floor on the old side of the capitol. Self-guided meetings with legislators