2020 Spring Elections
Elections will date to be announced shortly. Voting will be available online only due to the campus closure.
Election Days
9:00 am Wednesday, June 10 until 5:00 pm Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Links to the online ballot will be distributed via email to Campus and here on the Staff Council website.
Eligibility Requirements:
Section 1: Eligibility - A staff member, is defined as a person who is employed at least half-time in a non-instructional capacity with the University, and whose primary role is as staff, including auxiliary employees.
Management and Confidential staff members are eligible to serve, but cannot be in the majority of total Staff Council members.
- Staff Council will consist of up to 21 members representing all five divisions, with no more than eight (8) members from any one division.
- At least one member of the council shall be from the Palm Desert Campus (PDC). If the council is facing the loss of its last remaining PDC member and no PDC candidate garners enough votes in the election to sit on the council, the San Bernardino Campus member-elect with the least number of votes will be set aside and the PDC candidate with the most votes will sit in that person's place as member-elect.
Section 2: The Council shall consist of staff members, as defined in Bylaws Article I, Section 1: that are nominated or self-nominated.
Section 3: Staff elected to Staff Council shall serve two-year terms of office with no limit.
Section 4: By mutual agreement with their appropriate administrator/MPP, a Staff Council member will be provided four hours per month during working hours, and Executive Council members will be provided six hours per month during working hours to permit and facilitate performance of their Staff Council duties. If additional hours are needed, Staff Council and Executive Council members must seek approval from their appropriate administrator/MPP.
Section 5: If a Staff Council member is absent without excuse from three (3) regular meetings or events in any fiscal year, the member shall be considered for removal at the next regular meeting. If a voting member has prior knowledge that they will be absent for more than three (3) meetings, that member may designate another Staff Council member to fulfill their role(s) on the Council.
Section 6: If a Staff Council representative vacates their position on Staff Council the Executive Committee members can appoint another employee, or leave the position vacant until the end of the term.
Section 7: Staff Council representatives are expected to attend Staff Council sponsored events to execute all logistics (before, during and after an event).
2020 Nominees for Staff Council
Name / Department-Division / Nomination Statement
The nominees are presented in alphabetical order. 9 seats are open.
Patricia Aguilera
Academic Affairs, Financial Aid
It has been with great pleasure to serve on the CSUSB SC during the past two years. During my tenure on the SC, I have been able to serve in a multitude of committees and events as well as, represent the SC. Some of the activities that I have had the opportunity in serving on include the Shared Governance committee, the search committee for the VP of Advancement and Coyote Champ packs during finals week for our CSUSB students.
I’m proud to be a member of the SC that has developed programs for CSUSB staff that include the Emergency Funding program, Staff Chat during COVID-19 and our regular SC meetings. I wish to continue being a part of this great team that advocates for CSUSB staff campus-wide.
We nominate Patricia Aguilera to continue service on Staff Council for another two-year term. She brings a broad range of institutional knowledge to the council from her 30+ years of experience on the campus. She has proven herself an asset to the council and other various committees on behalf of staff council. We believe that it would benefit the council to have her continue her role with staff council, as she is an advocate for collaborating on behalf of staff to improve staff voice, staff morale and acts as an advocate for students. Besides her work on staff council, she serves in key roles on ALFSS, LEAD and other university activities.
Ian Banuelos
Undergraduate Studies
Hello, my name is Ian, and I am about to be a twice over alumnus from CSUSB. I happily work for the division of Undergraduate Studies as an Academic Advisor and the EAB Coordinator on campus. I'm a Southern California native, and when I'm not quarantined with my family in OC, I enjoy attending concerts, films and traveling.
As an alumnus and staff member of CSUSB, I have a real passion for this community. I have even been fortunate to have taught two Freshman seminar courses during my brief tenure at Cal State. I love our community because I proudly represent what this university can give to its students and staff. Without the benefits CSUSB awards its employees, I may not have chosen to advance my education at the graduate level. Now with my newly found spare time, I hope to see new avenues to give back and become an active and engaged member of the CSUSB community.
Alfredo Barcenas
Students Affairs/Auxiliary
My name is Alfredo Barcenas and I currently serve as the Policies and Legislative Specialist for the Associated Students, Inc. and as Chair to the CSUSB Staff Council. I received a Bachelors's degree in Political Science from CSUSB in 2016 and have been a staff member of this community ever since. I am currently working on my Masters in Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside in hopes of working for the state or federal government on issues relating to higher education.
During my time at CSUSB, I have been fortunate to serve on various campus-wide committees, not only representing the Division of Student Affairs but my colleagues both locally and systemwide. I have also been blessed to receive accolades from not only my division but from the university as a whole as the outstanding staff member for DSA and a Presidents Distinguished Divisional Award recipient for 2019. I am passionate about service and helping the university further advance its mission.
As a member of the Staff Council for two years, I understand the level of commitment and dedication needed to be successful in this role. Not only am I passionate about advocating on behalf of others, but to do this on behalf of my colleagues and students is an honor. As a product of CSUSB, it is only fair and just to give back to the same institution that allowed me to serve as an ASI President and who has provided me with a campus role in which I am able to effect change directly. My interest here is not only to serve but to give back to my community. I hope I am able to continue to give back and serve in this capacity on the Staff Council.
Tiffany Bookman
Academic Affairs
I am currently a staff council member and have worked on campus for nearly 10 years. I have worked for IT, CNS and currently UGS. I have met and worked with a lot of staff and being able to bring their thoughts, ideas and issues to the table is very important work for me.
I would like to continue the work I have started with Staff Council. I am the chair of multiple committees and creating an enjoyable and accountable workplace for staff, is my mission. When people feel heard and their ideas are implemented, they tend to like where they work. I want that for the staff here at CSUSB. I know that with the continued work of staff council, this goal is within reach.
Stacy Brooks
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
I am currently the Executive Vice Chair of the council and an active member of the campus community representing the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
I would like to continue my work on staff council and the various committees I am on representing staff council.
Jodi Buckley
Administration and Finance
My name is Jodi Buckley, and I am an ASC for the Office of Sustainability. I began attending the campus in the fall of 2013 and hired during the summer of 2019. I am an alumna of CSUSB having earned my BA and MA in the field of Political Science. I am an avid runner and active member of the San Bernardino community. I am an active volunteer of a variety of nonprofit organizations and a strong advocate for mental health and self care. I would like to join staff council, because I believe in its mantra, "Collegiality Matters." As a student, I was involved with several committees and boards. As a staff member, I wish to continue participating in the campus community by serving on the council and volunteering my time. I believe in the purpose of the council in its vision to promote, sponsor, and serve the staff members on campus. I think staff council provides a vital service and resource to the staff members on and off campus. As staff members, we spend a majority of time working towards the goals of the University Strategic Plan and at times it can become stressful. The activity and presence of Staff Council provides our staff members with the reassurance that we are "in this together" and support is readily available. I wish to join staff council because I love CSUSB and wish to serve within the campus community.
Miranda Canseco
Academic Affairs
Miranda Canseco currently works at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art. Miranda is a proud Alumna, having earned a B.A. in Business Administration - Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design. Miranda is completing her Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership - Spring 2020. She is the Director of Marketing for the Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students. She has served on the Educational Opportunity Program Alumni Board as Vice Chair of Marketing for 5 years. Prior to her current position, Miranda worked at the John M. Pfau Library and Undergraduate Studies as a Graphic Designer and Marketing Lead.
I am interested in joining the Staff Council because I support the Councils purpose to promote, sponsor and serve. I look forward to the opportunity to serve with my fellow CSUSB staff members to encourage and promote open communication on campus. I am also passionate about building a sense of community for staff and providing opportunities for more engagement.
Terri L. Cortez
Acad Aff
Being a devoted employee of CSUSB (27+ years), I have set standards that our campus can appreciate. I have gained experience and expertise of the campus departments, campus policies and procedures while maintaining a strong work ethic. I have worked with most departments on campus and feel I can inspire a stronger unity. Although the campus is solid with new, state of the art technology, I sense the personal touch of direct one-on-one customer service and contact has been lost. I want to bring customer service and unity back into the campus community by embracing the traditional small-town values with the progressive spirit that meets the challenges of the 21st Century.
Also, I have brought an awareness to campus the need for donated blood. We are not just giving blood, we are giving life back to our own community.
These are trying times. Trying times depletes individual's personal strengths. We need to remind people of their strengths and create meaning and focus while also recognizing those whom are doing the same. I want to be part of a team whose goals are the same. Thank you for your consideration
Jaime D. Espinoza
Student Affairs
Jaime has been working on campus as a staff member for just over six years. In that time he has been working with the Veterans Success Center. Under his department he has risen through the ranks, and is currently an SSPII working as the School Certifying Official for veteran benefits.Jaime is a true Coyote; he received his Bachelor's of Science in International Business from CSUSB, and will be receiving his Master's of Science in Health Services Administration Spring 2019.
Jaime is the most caring person I know. His empathy and concern for others as is shown by his counseling skills in his field of expertise goes beyond students and is extended to his colleagues. He is a vocal advocate for the student population he serves, and goes above and beyond the call of duty. This is not just because it is his job, but because he cares. I know he would bring this exact kind of advocacy and concern about others to the Staff Council. His service, if interested, on the Staff Council will contribute great wisdom, ideas, and communication. After knowing Jaime for the past seven years, I can personally attest to the value he can add to engaging his fellow staff members, marketing events, and being an overall jack of all trades.
Melissa Evans
Presidents
I am very passionate about people in general. I love helping people, and supporting them in any way i can. This is really hard for me to do, because i don't like talking about myself. I'm more about the people around me. I love planning events and such, but don't want to be in the lime light. I'm more of a back stage person. Even tho i am very outgoing you will never find me front and center.
I will be totally honest with you. Until i started coming to the Staff Council meetings i wasn't sure what you guys did. I have learned a lot in the past year and would like to help you share exactly what it is you do. I believe you're doing a good thing and we need more staff to get involved. So here i am trying to get involved.
Kathleen Firstenberg
Administration and Finance
I graduated from CSUSB in 1996 with a BA in psychology. I then worked in social services as a case manager and career coach for six years in San Bernardino County and Seattle, Washington. I decided to make a career change and transitioned to a position as a Program Manager at Seattle Pacific University. I completed an Editing Certificate at the University of Washington and then worked as a freelance editor and writer. Life brought me back to Southern California in 2014, and I began working at CSUSB as a Program Manager for the Water Resources Institute/Water Resources and Policy Initiatives. This January I began an AA/S position as the Assistant to the AVP for Facilities Planning and Management. Being on campus inspired me to pursue my MPA degree, and I will graduate in June 2020.
I have been on the CSUSB campus for almost six years, starting in a part-time position, and now working full-time and completing my MPA. It has been a busy time full of transitions, but now that I'm preparing to graduate, I am interested in getting more involved on campus. I believe I can use what I've learned on the job and in my MPA program to serve the campus and community. I enjoy planning events, working out details, and seeing hard work come together.
Kirstyn Hansen
MBA Office
I started my journey at CSUSB in 2013 as an undergraduate majoring in Human Resources. After graduation, I decided to pursue my next educational goal of obtaining an MBA. That choice lead me to my current position with the MBA office. Since 2017, I have worked for the program in various roles, ensuring the growth and success of all our students. My current role allows me to see how the university operates behind the scenes and how critical staff is to that success. Working with different departments across the university shows me the passion that staff members have in support of other staff, faculty, and students. Being a current graduate student and staff member gives me the ability to better serve my fellow staff members, especially those looking to take their next educational step and see their unique perspective. When not working or going to school, I am involved with volunteer service, girl scouts, and being a mom.
My current job is to help students learn how to network, communicate, and realize the potential that they have. I plan events, run student engagement programs, create opportunities for high impact practices and mentor many students. I would love to be able to share the knowledge and skills that I have obtained doing these things for students with other staff members. Networking and creating unique opportunities for staff is just as important as it is for students.
Kirstyn is the consummate planner-organizer who currently works her magic for our MBA students and alumni. She successfully plans, organizes, and executes several events each year. Kirstyn is (also) an active MBA student and understands what is appealing to students as well as staff. Kirstyn, with all her creative ability, would be an excellent addition to CSUSB Staff Council.
Diana Hernandez
Academic Affairs
My name is Diana Hernandez. I am alumni from CSUSB, and have been working on campus for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for almost five years. I have been a part of the CSUSB campus community for nine years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and experience as a student, and wanted to return and give back to our student population. I come from single parent household, I have two younger siblings and always had to help my mom support and guide my younger siblings in regards to academics. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors (hiking, biking, beach) and a little retail therapy. Additionally, I like to craft and build Pinterest boards. I am an active member in my church, I assist in planning the Halloween festival and volunteer in the children's ministry. I plan on applying for the counseling and guidance program at CSUSB for Fall 2020, I want to be a counselor for high school students and provide the tools and resources for college. I am a reliable, hardworking individual who gives 100% to everything done.
I am interested in being part of the Staff Council because working with the EOP has shown me the value in leadership and collaboration with several departments on campus. I would like to be considered for the staff council to bring a sense of community amongst staff members and contribute to the CSUSB staff community with my service. My current role at CSUSB consists in assisting the coordination of special events within our department (Admissions, Renaissance Scholars, EOP Summer Bridge) and engaging with local donors and sponsors to support our foster youth students. For the last five years my main interaction has been student lead, however I want to be more involved with campus activities and give back to fellow colleagues and CSUSB at a bigger capacity.
Jessica Madrigal
Student Affairs
Hello my name is Jessica Madrigal, I currently serve as the Services Coordinator at the Santos Manuel Student Union. I am an alumni of CSUSB and started my career there in 2014. In my undergrad I had the opportunity to serve as part of the ASI Executive Board. Through this role I quickly learned that I wanted to create a career in Higher Education. I was hired in the newly created Office of Special Events and Guest Services which provided the platform to work with many people and departments across campus. It showed me how much I enjoy bridging the gap of information to create and bring to life monumental events for the University. I am passionate about helping students and my colleagues. I do not limit what I do to the title I hold. I strive to always be a team player and assist in any way I can whether it be pointing a student in the right direction or helping a colleague plan an event.
I am interested in being part of the Staff Council because it aligns with the mission of my purpose working at the University. I consider myself to be a person that is level headed when making difficult decisions. I truly admire the work that the Staff Council provides to the campus, their involvement shows the dedication of assisting with advancing the University to be better year after year. I am confident that with my experience I can bring a new perspective and be an active member to assist with the all the great activities and decisions that are made on this committee. Current Committees I serve on: Students Affairs Assessment and SMSU Facilities and Sustainability committee.
Susan Mendoza
Administration & Finance
"I have served on Staff Council for the last two years. I have had the honor of serving with a great team of thoughtful, caring individuals who are eager to work together to promote colleagiality and community engagement. Over the last two years, we have begun to implement some memorable events and engagement opportunities to bring our campus community together. I would be honored to continue that work and keep our staff and students at the forefront of that movement. Please accept my self-nomination for another term of service. Sincerely, Susan Mendoza "
I want to continue to do promote colleagiality and shared governance across our campus community.
Rodrigo Mercado
Administration & Finance
Rodrigo Mercado has been employed in the Student Employment/Human Resources Office. He serves as the Lead for Student Employment for over 5 years. He also serves on numerous staff committees and chairs the Annual Student Employee of the Year recognition luncheon. Mr. Mercado is an advocate for student employees and ensures they are hired in a timely manner. He developed tutorials for both staff and students to make the hiring process more efficient and streamlined the business process.
I would like to nominate Rodrigo Mercado to the staff council. Mr. Mercado is presently employed in the Student Employment/Human Resources department in which he positively engages daily with both student employees and staff at CSUSB. Mr. Mercado has actively lead committees which have included several staff members to better streamline hiring practices, recognizing our paraprofessionals, and college readiness after graduation. He works collectively with the campus community throughout his interactions and participation in the events he coordinates.
Juan Ochoa
Academic Affairs
Juan Ochoa currently work at the Office of Community Engagement as Administrative Coordinator for Faculty Initiatives. Juan is a graduate from Cal State San Bernardino earning a B.A. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing. Currently, Juan is pursuing a Masters in Public Administration and hopes to compete in Spring 2022. Juan is an active member of the CSUSB campus community, volunteering for ALFSS, EOP, and LEAD. Prior to graduation, Juan worked as a marketing student assistant in The Office of Community Engagement and Undergraduate Studies. After graduation, Juan was offered the role of Marketing Coordinator for Undergraduate Studies and later transitioned to the Office of Community Engagement.
I am interested in joining CSUSB's Staff council because I believe in the council's mission to promote collegiality and positive communication; sponsors program that create a sense of community; and serve the interests and concerns of all staff members. In addition, I value the work that CSUSB staff members contribute towards students' education and would like to contribute to the learning opportunities, staff recognition, special events, and engaging partnerships built by this council. I look forward to the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated staff members to advance our fellow staff members and our great institution!
Auvenida Pena
Advancement
I have worked with the university full time since 2014 but I first began as a student assistant in 2012 upon my enrollment as a transfer student. I had worked at the corporate offices of Arrowhead Credit Union and upon my starting CSUSB, I chose to go whole heartedly into my studies. I am a true life long learner and I am passionate about being a part of something greater than myself.
I am interested in being in the staff council because I would like to help advocate for my fellow colleagues along with being more active in the CSUSB community.
Leeanne Richardson
Academic Affairs
"I have been a staff member of CSUSB since 2002 and I would like to contribute to the efforts that help to make this a great campus with amazing employees: Staff and Faculty, as we strive to serve the student population and assist each other in accomplishing that goal.
Ive been ASC II in Math for several years and I understand the University culture." "I have many years of cooperative experience and supervision. I understand the frustrations we deal with from a Staff perspective and I think I can offer good ideas to the group. I am a team player,but I'm not afraid to lead!
I am dependable and honest."
Daiana Rodriguez
Liberal Studies, College of Arts and Letters
"Ms. Rodriguez is a thoughtful and generous colleague who will actively, openly, and patiently listen to others before formulating an answer. She is active in our communities both on campus and off and volunteers her time in children's creative literacy programs, with the LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty organization, with LEAD, ALFSS, and other organizations across a variety of interests and commitments.
She is generous with her time and talents and is always looking for a way to say, ""Yes,"" and to support and make ideas a reality. She doesn't just talk about, she engages and takes steps towards making things happen. As the ASC for Liberal Studies, Ms. Rodriguez is in the perfect position to host and hear the concerns of other staff members on campus because Liberal Studies interacts and engages with every single other department, group, club, organization, committee, etc. on campus. Additionally, she has proven herself to be a competent and confidential confidant and colleague to students, staff, and faculty alike and I have never known her to betray a trust. She is far too conscientious, disciplined, and principled to do so and is a perfect position to expand the networks of others as well. " Ms. Rodriguez has a service-oriented disposition and is always looking for new ways to serve new constituents and communities. She has perfected her position and is ready for new challenges and opportunities to serve.
Dusty Faye Rushia
A&F
I have worked at CSUSB for almost 5 years and am incredibly grateful for the CSUSB community and to be part of it.
CSUSB does so much for us and I would like to be part of the giving not just the receiving.
Ingrid Valdez
Admin and Finance
I began my CSUSB experience as student and loved it so much that I decided to make CSUSB my home away from home. Throughout the years, CSUSB contributed to my personal, educational, and professional growth. I was originally hired as a HR Assistant, moved up to Benefits Specialist for a couple years and shortly thereafter moved into my current duo role of Benefits Analyst and Lead HR Representative. I consider myself to have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful as a Staff Council committee member, as I am passionate about the success of the CSUSB. I am devoted to ensure that all actions I take in my current role are fair and adequate when it comes to program employees and program supervisors.
Outside CSUSB, I enjoy hiking, reading a good book, and enjoying time with my friends and family. I am especially fond of my two dogs, as they have kept me sane throughout these trying times. In the past, I have serve in varies positions for my sorority’s alum group and as an advisor for the collegiate chapter here at CSUSB.
I would love the opportunity to be involved with the CSUSB Staff Council, as it provides me the opportunity to give back to the place I have called home for many years.
I am interested in being part of the CSUSB Staff Counsel (SC) because I have seen the positive changes that have occurred since establishing this committee and I would like to be a part of all the great things the SC has planned in the future. Employee morale has significantly increase on-campus. The recognition programs and various SC sponsored events have really establish a strong sense of community among all staff. The Employee Appreciations Picnic are very fun and has giving me the opportunity to meet people from campus that I would not get a chance to meet on regular day. It has allowed all of us to connect on a stress-free personal level, thus really getting to know someone. These are the types of programs needed to ensure that every single person here CSUSB feels important and thus enabling our staff to continue providing our student the best CSUSB experience. I am very excited for this opportunity and hope I am able to work all of CSUSB.
David Vasilia
Information Technology Services
10 Years of management organizational experience (outside of CSUSB), Military, LA County Fair. Now 14 years as staff at CSUSB, 2 years as a student assistant prior to that. 20 Years of computer science and systems development coding and programming. Holding degrees in Nursing, Finance, Computer Science, 2015 Master Graduate in Education - Instructional Technology. I currently make (architect, code, project manage) artificial intelligence chatbots for various departments around campus and integrate them into the campus website. Along with managing the live chat platform components.
I believe with my organizational management experience and continued collaboration with various departments around campus (due to expansive nature of my Ai programming projects); it will be mutually beneficial for me to be a part of this council as I need to maintain more robust relationships with staff around campus. I'm hoping this can be a comprehensive organizational method to start to have these conversations and establish these relationships. The world of technology is constantly changing and I am a very deep resource to help the campus navigate the turmoil related to higher education and technology because I have a high level of expertise in both.