California State University, Monterey Bay
PA-3: Governance

Yes, they do through the election process set up for such organizations as Associated Students, Inter-Club Council (ICC), Sports Club Council (SCC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), RHA (Residence Hall Councils) wherein they can elect representatives to serve within these organizations or where they can also run for office. Students are also invited to attend the general meetings of these groups to provide input or share concerns with different governing bodies during the Public Forum section of their meetings which is protected under the Gloria Romero Act. Annual elections are conducted by all of these groups open to their constituencies to vote on their new officers who serve on their governing boards or councils. One example is that the Associated Students announce the dates for Election at the end of the Fall semester; provide applications for a two month period (up through the end of February); orientation meetings are conducted with all new candidates which is then followed by a campaign period that precedes the annual AS Elections. All students are notified on these matters through campus-wide announcements made through the Dean of Students Office/COMMUNITY and Otter Be Involved (weekly event announcement system at CSUMB) over the course of three months. AS Elections occur over a three—day period (24/7) where students can vote on-line or by going to the polls (posted on certain days and time). With open positions in Associated Students (non-elected positions), students are welcome to apply and be interviewed by the Internal Affairs Board who would then recommend their top candidates to Senate for their review and approval.

Representatives are usually elected into their respective roles or appointed from the Associated Students to serve on different university-wide committees through consultations with the AS professional staff and Dean of Students.

The student body is notified about important meetings throughout the semester such as our CSUMB Campus Master Planning efforts; through the Office of Inclusive Excellence related to campus climate and diversity and inclusion initiatives; Food Services (Sodexo) has a student based committee made up of representatives from different student organizations who meet regularly to address food safety concerns; periodic meetings hosted by the President’s Office to listen to student concerns hosted by our university President with representatives from his senior cabinet – these are examples of informal and formal roles students can play in areas which affect their quality of life on campus. AS is also tapped to enlist student representatives serve on different university-wide committees wherein student input is important related to policies, future visioning, strategic planning and such. Within AS, we have been more pro-active in responding to student concerns as we are made aware of them. For instance, two years ago, our international students were protesting about their on campus housing situation and AS met with the students to elevate their concerns to the university administration by hosting an open Town Hall meeting where all the senior administrators were present to respond to student concerns. The AS administration also worked collaboratively then with other university departments to address transportation issues (on and off campus) by providing more late-night shuttles for students who had to be in classes up until 10pm thereby improving the night time and weekend coverage of students who needed to be on or off campus and to go into town for different shopping needs. We also worked together with the Athletic Department to enhance their student recreational space by dedicating over $10K to physical improvements to their Fitness Center. This year, AS was made aware of student concerns around financial aid issues wherein our CFO worked closely with the Financial Aid Office to address these concerns by hosting more informational sessions and advocating for more staff coverage during high peak seasons. We were also made aware of the growing needs of students who face food security issues and launched a new Food Pantry initiative this spring semester – working in conjunction with the Monterey Food Bank to provide groceries and fresh produce to students who face such issues. AS is also very active on the state level through our involvement with the California State Student Association (CSSA) representing the diverse needs of our students and 23 other CSU campuses to lobby with Governor Brown and state legislators on keeping tuition costs down for low income students; supporting Dream Act initiatives for undocumented students; and much more. We take interested students with us to these monthly CSSA meetings and an annual meeting in Sacramento hosted by the California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS) to learn more about the issues affecting not only our campus but the 23 other CSU campuses and the legislation we are responsible for enacting on behalf of all of our students. AS also provides a scholarship program (up to $16K) through our Legacy and Capstone Grant funding of special student projects.

All faculty can attend and participate in Academic Senate, with specific representatives being selected to serve. The process is done through volunteer and election.

The Dean of each school on campus is able to participated in the Extended Cabinet meetings.

Though Academic Senate and the Provosts Office. Faculty personal have an opportunity to support and develop campus vision, mission and goals, policies and programs, To support and provide feedback on the Academic Strategic Plan. In 2015/16 the Academic Senate Chair re-invigorated a budgeting committee that is comprised of faculty and administration. Academic personal sit on all new building committee with direct input into building design, program and development. The Academic Strategic Plan as well as institutional learning outcomes help develop the prioritization of programs and projects and are managed by the Academic Senate.