Welcome to the Division of Student Affairs E-Newsletter! This newsletter was created to share what is taking place in the division and give an inside look into our departments, programs, and services.
Over 25 departments make up the Division of Student Affairs, from housing to student engagement, career services to counseling, the student union to athletics, and so much more. We look forward to sharing information about the division, as well as highlighting division news and key events.
Winter 2023 Issue
Twenty CSUSB students traveled to the 37th annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) conference held Oct. 28-30 in Chicago.
The third annual Latina Leaders Actualizing Agency Conference was held on Nov. 17. This year, 76 participants attended the conference.
Roderick Figgs is the Director of Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity and Access Program). He worked at the University of California, Riverside, for nine years before joining the Coyote family in 2015.
Stacy Ann Cameron-Roberts is an international graduate student majoring in Nutritional Science and Dietetics and a graduate intern in the Basic Needs and Student Support department.
Dr. Jess Nerren serves as the first Faculty Inclusion Fellow for Disability, Difference, and Accommodation. The new role was created at CSUSB and is the first of its kind in the California State University system.
Debanhi Escobar is the Coordinator of the LatinX Center in the Santos Manuel Student Union. Her career in higher education began at Pasadena City College, where she has worked for 12 years and has held a variety of roles.
The Career Center hosted its annual Fall Career and Internship Fair on Oct. 5. More than 270 CSUSB students attended the event.
Cal-SOAP is one of 25-plus departments in the Division of Student Affairs. The college access and readiness program improves the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels.
More than 700 students came out to Cosmic Coyote on Nov. 3 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) North. Program Board hosted the event to help students relax, bond, and forge connections with their fellow Yotes.
September 2023 Issue
Great turnout at latest Tea with the VP and Student Affairs Road Show at the San Bernardino campus.
Meet Lori Palmerton. She joined the Coyote family in June as the Director of Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD). Cal State San Bernardino is the fourth California State University she has worked at.
CSUSB will host events that celebrate the culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Student Affairs is proud to participate in the celebration by hosting and collaborating on events.
Students, faculty, and staff were invited to the annual Late Night event hosted by The Recreation and Wellness Department on Aug. 25 from 7-11 p.m. The back to school event kicked off fall at CSUSB and engaged students with clubs.
Angelica Agudo is the Chair of the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) board of directors. She helps oversee the SMSU and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Services to Students with Disabilities is one of 25-plus departments in the Division of Student Affairs. The department provides accommodations to students at the Palm Desert and San Bernardino campuses who have short- or long-term disabilities.
James Leduc took on his new role as the Academic Coach for the Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program in August. In his role, James provides individual and group academic coaching to students.
Since 2013, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and EOP Renaissance Scholars Program have partnered with John Burton Advocates for Youth and received its Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund award.
Summer 2023 Issue
The sixth annual Division of Student Affairs Staff Development Conference was held on Aug. 11. This year was another great turnout with nearly 200 Student Affairs professionals and paraprofessionals in attendance.
The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) Student Ambassadors program launched in fall 2022 with a total of six DSA Student Ambassadors. This fall, the team has expanded and added four new members.
Dr. Jennifer Moulton is the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services. She joined the Coyote family in April 2023 and brings with her a wealth of higher education experience.
This summer, the Division of Student Affairs helped welcome 4,301 new Yotes to campus with the Student Affairs Department Showcase that was held during Orientation at CSUSB on the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses.
Meet Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Carson Fajardo! He is a third-year Administration major with a concentration in Management. Carson became involved with ASI in October 2022, serving as the housing representative on the board of directors.
The Ramos Family Endowed Scholarship Fund was awarded to three CSUSB students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). The award recipients were honored at the third annual Ramos Family Endowed Scholarship Luncheon on April 14.
The CSUSB baseball and track and field teams closed out their seasons with record-breaking performances.
Vanessa Hinostroza is the Communications and Social Media Specialist for the Santos Manuel Student Union. In her role, she oversees the social media content for the SMSU, Recreation and Wellness, and Esports.
Counseling and Psychological Services is one of 25-plus departments in the Division of Student Affairs. CAPS offers a wide range of services to support students. These services include individual and couples counseling, group therapy, and workshops.
May 2023 Issue
This year, Athletics had record-breaking seasons in the different sports programs and welcomed new leadership.
The class of 2023 celebrated earning their degrees this month. Commencement season officially kicked off in early May with the celebration of CSUSB’s affinity graduation ceremonies and concluded on May 20.
Gema Pena is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and minor in Counseling and Helping Professions at Cal State San Bernardino. She is a San Bernardino native and first-generation student who is passionate about education and helping students succeed.
The Black Scholars Program provides academic support while helping students graduate and earn their degrees.
Great turnout at Tea with the VP held on April 18 during Coyote Hour from 12-1 p.m. More than 95 students attended the event.
The Division of Student Affairs held its spring Town Hall on April 20. Approximately 140 Student Affairs staff and administrators were in attendance.
Leigh Connell is the Lead Program Coordinator for the WorkAbility IV (WA-IV) program. She joined the Coyote family in 2006 and has worked in higher education for more than 20 years.
The Division of Student Affairs Student Ambassadors program launched in the fall of 2022 with a total of six DSA Student Ambassadors.
April 2023 Issue
CSUSB hosted multiple events in April to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. Student Affairs was proud to participate in the celebration by hosting and collaborating on events with campus partners.
The Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Graphics Department provides graphic design services for chartered student organizations and clubs at CSUSB. The team consists of three graphic design student assistants.
In celebration of National Student Employee Appreciation Week held April 9-15, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) and Division of Student Affairs (DSA) Student Ambassadors hosted events to recognize student employees at CSUSB.
The Veterans Success Center (VSC) is a one-stop shop for CSUSB student veterans, service members, and their families.
Dr. Ann Lara is the Associate Director of the Career Center at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. She began her role in August 2022 and brings more than 15 years of experience in university career services.
CSUSB celebrated the men’s basketball team’s recording-breaking season with a block party on April 6 at University Hall Plaza.
Roryana Bowman’s path to her role as interim coordinator for the Pan-African Student Success Center was an unexpected journey for the Ohio native.
Elmer Gutierrez is a Graduate Student employee for operations and risk management at The Recreation and Wellness Department, where he has worked for four years.
March 2023 Issue
The Student Affairs Road Show and Tea with the VP took place at the Palm Desert Campus on March 16. Students were able to attend both events back-to-back with Tea with the VP at 10 a.m., followed by the Road Show at 11 a.m.
Navneet Singh was a student assistant at the Women's Resource Center (WRC) for a year before she transitioned to her current role as coordinator in October 2022.
The Children's Center's and Infant/Toddler Lab School enables parents of young children to attend CSUSB by providing a preschool program and child care in a nurturing environment that supports children.
Meet Rhianna Nordlund! She is a CSUSB alumni who graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently in the CSUSB Social Work graduate program.
The Undocumented Student Success Center peer mentor program officially relaunched in fall and consists of student leaders who are trained on the resources that are most helpful to CSUSB undocumented students.
Fernando Marquez is the director of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). He joined the Coyote family in April 2022. Prior to CSUSB, Fernando worked at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as an Admissions Counselor.
In March, CSUSB celebrated Womxn’s History Month with a variety of virtual and in-person events in honor of the courage, accomplishments, and triumphs of women throughout the years.
February 2023 Issue
February attracted a record number of students at Tea with the VP and the Student Affairs Road Show held on Feb. 15-16, respectively. More than 350 students lined up to learn about the division and grab a free In-N-Out lunch at the Road Show.
Flavio Paniagua-Navarro is the Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Throughout February, CSUSB hosted a variety of in-person and virtual events to celebrate Black History Month. The month-long celebration highlighted the culture, heritage, achievements, and resiliency of the African American community.
Sasha Baltazar joined the Coyote family in 2018 as a student volunteer her freshman year at CSUSB. As the interim Rancho Mirage Student Center Coordinator, Sasha oversees a team of seven student assistants and hosts events at the Palm Desert campus.
Student Affairs held the third event in the professional development series of keynote and workshop sessions with authors of the book “Creating Sustainable Careers in Student Affairs” on Feb. 8.
The Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program is one of 25-plus departments in the Division of Student Affairs. It is a Student Support Services (SSS) project that is part of the federally-funded TRIO family.
Beyza Aktepe is an international graduate student from Turkey who is majoring in Nutritional Science and a graduate intern in the Basic Needs and Student Support department.
January 2023 Issue
Cal State San Bernardino Athletics was excited to welcome three new members to its administrative staff – Alex Kline, Madeline Luna, and Jalyn Hayes.
Meet Kyrah Frank! She is graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in sociology. During her time at CSUSB, Kyrah has been involved on campus.
As the Campus Survivor Advocate, Claudia provides support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, harassment, and stalking.
Sonia Martinez, Recreation and Wellness Well-Being Coordinator for the Retreat, played an instrumental role in getting a Fitness Court built at Blair Park in San Bernardino only a few miles away from campus.
The Basic Needs program has expanded to the new department of Basic Needs and Student Support.
The Division of Student Affairs welcomes Michael Rister as the new Executive Director of Associated Students, Inc. (ASI).
December 2022 Issue
Avi Rodriguez has been part of the Coyote family for 12 years and has held a variety of roles at the Palm Desert Campus.
Another great turnout at the 2nd annual Latina Leaders Actualizing Agency Conference held on Nov. 4 at CSUSB. The campus community heard from Latina leaders and networked with fellow faculty, staff, and students.
The Division of Student Affairs held a week of holiday festivities with Jingle and Mingle, a posadas celebration, held Dec. 12-14, and our annual PDC Winter Gathering concluded the celebrations on Dec. 15.
Tea with the VP took place on Dec. 6 during Coyote Hour from 12-1 p.m. at CSUSB. The event provided students the opportunity to meet Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Paz Olivérez and learn about the division.
More than 100 Student Affairs staff and administrators attended the fall Town Hall on Nov. 3. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Paz Olivérez shared division updates and progress on the Student Affairs Strategic Plan.
The Undocumented Student Success Center hosted a dinner on Dec. 7 for 80 community partners and CSUSB students, staff, and faculty to share semester highlights, recognize the President’s USSC advisory board, and celebrate its fall graduating students.
Meet Johnny Arredondo! A CSUSB alumni from the Palm Desert Campus (PDC). Johnny graduated this fall, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a concentration in relational and organizational communication.
Meet Anais Otero! She is the Case Management Specialist in the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. Anais joined the Coyote family in October.
November 2022 Issue
CSUSB celebrated the most anticipated event of the fall, Homecoming Week, Oct. 17-22. Homecoming brought together CSUSB students, faculty, and staff and welcomed alumni back to campus in celebration of Coyote Pride.
This fall, CSUSB celebrated diversity and inclusion by sharing the different cultures and identities that make up the Coyote family. Each month featured events and stories to honor one another and learn about our unique differences.
Palm Desert Campus was the latest stop for the Student Affairs Road Show and Tea with the VP on October 13. Students were able to attend both events back-to-back.
Meet Rosie Garza! She is the Physical and Visual Disabilities Specialist at the Palm Desert campus for Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD). She joined the Coyote family in 2004 and has held different roles in SSD and Workability IV.
Through training and mentoring, the peer health educators learn about critical health-related topics and develop skills to design and facilitate health promotion and disease prevention programs.
The Office of Student Engagement officially changed its name on Aug. 22 to better reflect its new charge and expanding services.
The Career Center prepared 70 students for the 36th annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Conference (HACU) held on Oct. 8-10 in San Diego by providing a variety of professional development activities prior to the event.
Meet Carlos "Two Bears" Gonzales! He joined the Coyote family in August as the Coordinator of the First Peoples’ Center.
October 2022 Issue
Another great turnout at the Student Affairs Road Show on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 12-1:30 p.m. The event took place at Coyote Walk, where students came out to learn about the division and grab free lunch.
Dr. Terri Anderson joined the Coyote family in August. She is the new Director of Basic Needs and Student Support. Dr. Anderson has worked in a variety of roles in the community college and California State University systems.
The annual Military Times list has once again ranked the Veterans Success Center as a Best for Vets: College for the eighth year in a row. This year, the VSC earned the number 10 spot.
Jared Fisk joined the Coyote family in August 2020 as a graphic design student assistant in the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) before taking on his current role as Marketing Manager in the department.
Cal State San Bernardino was selected as one of 45 partner campuses to participate in the statewide #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program that combines academic and hands-on work experience.
Students who live on campus can get involved and gain leadership experience by participating in the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA is the student government for CSUSB’s residential communities.
CSUSB and the Division of Student Affairs partnered with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to honor indigenous people, learn about Native American culture, and reflect on their traditions in a series of events held at Cal State San Bernardino.
Meet Alexandra Thambi! She is the Chair of the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) board of directors. Alexandra helps to oversee the SMSU and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Summer 2022 Issue
Get ready for school spirit this fall with the launch of Spirit Days at CSUSB every Thursday during Coyote Hour from 12-12:50 p.m.
Cal State San Bernardino was awarded a $2.3 million federal grant to assist migrant/farmworkers or their children stay in college.
The annual Division of Student Affairs Staff Development Conference was held on Aug. 12. The event had a great turnout with 200 Student Affairs professionals and paraprofessionals in attendance.
The Division of Student Affairs welcomed the inaugural cohort of the Your University Student and Family Transition Program held Aug. 16-17. The free two-day program was for incoming first-year, historically underserved students and their guests/families.
Meet Paola Galvez! She is the new Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President. Paola, a fourth-year mathematics major and philosophical logic minor, held multiple positions in ASI before earning her presidency.
Student Affairs hosted programs in the summer to help prepare students for college.
The Summer Bridge Program for new CSUSB Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) freshmen was held June 20-July 13. The four-week program was to help students get acclimated to the university.
Dr. Tiffany Bitting is the Director of the Career Center at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. She joined the Coyote family in July and brings with her a wealth of experience.
May 2022 Issue
Commencement season officially kickoff in early May with the celebration of CSUSB’s affinity graduation ceremonies and will conclude on May 22.
The annual Coyote Fest returned to CSUSB after a two-year hiatus from campus due to the pandemic. The event took place on Friday, May 6, from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. in the Athletic Fields.
Student Affairs kicked off a professional development series on April 27 to engage division staff and administrators with workshops that cover a variety of topics.
First Star Academy is a Pre-College Program and one of 21-plus departments in Student Affairs.
Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD) created a student writer’s group in January that is led by student employee lead MaKelsey Sibille.
The National Latina Business Women Association Inland Empire Institute (NLBWA-IE) hosted its annual LEILA Awards gala on May 6.
Alfredo Barcenas joined the Coyote family in 2011 as an undergraduate student before becoming a staff member in 2016 in Associated Students Incorporated, where he has held a variety of positions.
The Santos Manuel Student Union Program Board promotes a sense of community at CSUSB through exciting, entertainment-oriented events, such as dances, games shows, and end-of-the-year party Coyote Fest.
Susan Lilly is the Counselor at the Palm Desert Campus. She joined the Coyote family in February 2013 at the San Bernardino campus before heading to PDC in 2015.
April 2022 Issue
Students were lining up to learn about the division and grab free lunch at the Student Affairs Road Show at CSUSB.
A new department has joined the division. The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is now one of 21-plus departments in Student Affairs. EOC is CSUSB’s first federal TRIO program specifically targeting students in the Coachella Valley.
Oscar Fonseca is the Career Counselor at the Palm Desert Campus. He joined the Coyote family nearly three years ago. However, he has worked collaboratively with his colleagues at PDC for 10 years through various roles.
Throughout April, CSUSB hosted a number of virtual and in-person events to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. Student Affairs was proud to participate in the celebration.
Lisa Root joined the Coyote family in May 2016 and has worked in higher education for more than 20 years.
The Office of Student Engagement's Leadership Lab officially opened on February 21 and was utilized as an activity space during the SMSU North grand opening on March 17.
The Children’s Center and Infant Toddler Lab is one of 21-plus departments in Student Affairs. The department provides CSUSB students internship opportunities during the academic year.
March 2022 Issue
The campus and local community came out to support the grand opening of the Santos Manuel Student Union North on Thursday, March 17. It was a day many had been looking forward to since the SMSU broke ground on the expansion in July 2019.
If you thought you heard a coyote howl on campus the past few weeks, you did! The Coyote Hour Howl kicked off on Feb. 22 at the first in-person Coyote Hour event of the semester.
He is the Director of the Veterans Success Center. Agustin joined the Coyote family 15 years ago, starting off as a student assistant in the Office of the Registrar.
In March, Womxn’s History Month kicked off at CSUSB with a number of virtual and in-person events in honor of the courage, accomplishments, and triumphs of women throughout the years.
She is the new Desktop Publisher and Graphic Specialist in the Vice President’s Office for Student Affairs. Laura joined the Coyote family in February.
Recreation and Wellness is an auxiliary unit of the Santos Manuel Student Union and one of the 21+ departments in Student Affairs. Its student marketing team is responsible for creating campaigns and promoting events.
Services to Students with Disabilities hosted A Conversation with Judith Heumann: Students, Disability Rights, and Social Justice on Feb. 3. Judith is an internationally recognized disability activist.
On March 11, 12, and 14, CSUSB hosted the first three rounds of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament inside Coussoulis Arena. The undertaking was a massive one requiring a student staff of 40 paraprofessionals taking on a variety of roles.
The Department of Housing and Residential Education provides students a home away from home. While living on campus, students have the unique opportunity to explore who they are in a supportive, inclusive community of other students, faculty, and staff.
February 2022 Issue
CSUSB Director of Athletics Shawn Chin-Farrell recently accepted the nomination to serve on the NCAA Division II Management Council. The Management Council is charged with recommending administrative policies and regulations that govern the division.
He is the new director for the Undocumented Student Success Center. He joined the Coyote family on Jan. 31. As director, “My primary responsibility is to amplify the undocumented experience here at CSU San Bernardino,” said Jairo.
The academic mentors program was created five years ago to help CSUSB students transition to college life, while living on campus.
She is the Black Scholars Program Academic Advisor. Ashley joined the Coyote family in 2018 and brought with her a wealth of experience, previously having positions at Cal Baptist University and Azusa Pacific University.
The Office of Student Engagement (OSE) is one of 21-plus departments in Student Affairs. The department helps students get involved on campus by providing social and co-curricular opportunities throughout the year.
Join us for the Santos Manuel Student Union North ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 17, from 11am-12pm. The grand-opening festivities will take place after the ribbon-cutting from 12-2 p.m.
Student Affairs welcomes Robert Levi to CSUSB as the inaugural Elder in Residence and special consultant. In this role, Mr. Levi will sit on a variety of committees to support the work CSUSB conducts in relation to Native/Indigenous people.
Black History Month kicked off in February and will be celebrated at CSUSB with a variety of virtual events in honor of the accomplishments made by African Americans.