Resolution Endorsing Associated Students of Sonoma State University’s Resolution “Preserve our Student Services and Programs”

Whereas “The mission of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (SAEM) is to facilitate the recruitment, development, retention and graduation of all students through high-quality educational and out-of-classroom experiences, programs and support services 2”; and

Whereas The strategic goal pertaining to the quality of the Student Experience states the university will “provide SSU Students with a quality co-curricular experience and a residential environment that leads to enhanced learning and personal growth” and would implement this by “cultivating a healthy campus community, developing a sense of belonging, helping students learn to respect and value diversity, encouraging ethical behavior, support student personal growth, self-knowledge, social development and career planning 4; and

Whereas Student services’ and programs’ budgets have been cut drastically over the last 5 years (for example, SAEM has been cut by 69.25% since 2007-2008 5) resulting in limited funding for current student services, while university enrollment has increased 6; and

Whereas Due to budget cuts, programs such as Disability Services for Students, Academic Advising, Career Services, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the Learning Center, the Writing Center, Veteran’s Services, International Affairs, the Multi-Cultural Center, and the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service, are receiving less fiscal support; and

Whereas A hiring freeze on campus is currently being utilized to address budget concerns, keeping the vacancy in the Campus Life Advisor position (which offers a support system for hundreds of students involved in organizations on campus) from being filled, thereby impacting the success of our clubs and organizations on campus; and

Whereas Last year 2014 undergraduates and graduates10 graduated from SSU and all would be served by the career center and its one full time advisor; and

Whereas Many departments that house student services and programs are not necessarily managed by Student Affairs professionals, meaning that programs and services may not be over sought by professionals with education and training regarding working with students; and

Whereas Quality student services contribute greatly to create a well-rounded student experience by providing support, guidance, and assistance outside of the classroom, enhance the co-curricular experience, and engage students in the SSU community; and

Therefore Let it hereby be resolved that all student services and programs at Sonoma State University must have qualified professionals with sufficient training in working with students.