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 21 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.
March 2023 Issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Avi Rodriguez has been part of the Coyote family for 12 years and has held a variety of roles at the Palm Desert Campus.
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.
January 2022 Issue
The CSU has announced new Covid health and safety requirements for the spring 2022 semester. CSUSB will provide Booster clinics beginning in February at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses to ensure students can meet the requirements.
She is the Director of Educational Talent Search (ETS), a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to help middle and high school students continue to the next grade level, graduate from high school, and enroll in and complete college.
The Career Center's peer career educators program was created in 2018 and provides students with career education and development assistance. The peer career educators are trained to support students with resumes and cover letters.
The Osher Adult Re-Entry Center (OARC) provides resources for adult re-entry students to help them get the most out of their college experience. In addition, it serves as a bridge for adult/transfer students.
She is the PDC Employment and Job Development Coordinator for Workability IV (WA-IV). Tyler provides WA-IV students at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus career counseling in employment preparation and job development, placement, and retention services.
The Student Health Center (SHC) is one of 21-plus departments in the Division of Student Affairs. The center is fully accredited and has a team of healthcare professionals who are passionate about students’ health and well-being.
The Division of Student Affairs Winter Gathering was held at the Palm Desert Campus on Dec. 16 from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the end of fall and the beginning of the holiday season. Attendees enjoyed food, games, and giveaways.
December 2021 Issue
All students (regardless of vaccination status) who completed the COVID-19 Self-Certification form on the myCoyote portal are eligible for a free Coyote Pride t-shirt.
The inaugural Latina Leaders Actualizing Agency Conference was held on Nov. 19 in the SMSU Events Center at CSUSB. The campus community heard from Latina leaders and networked with fellow faculty, staff, and students.
Meet Jesse Felix! He is the Interim Executive Director of the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) and Recreation and Wellness Center. Jesse joined the Coyote family in 2005 and has worked in higher education for 16 years.
The Santos Manuel Student Union Queer and Transgender Resource Center is an inclusive and supportive space for the campus community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex students and their allies.
The Associated Students, Incorporated is the recognized voice of the student body and represents the interests, needs, and concerns of CSUSB students.
Meet Francisco Alfaro! He is the Rancho Mirage Student Center Coordinator. Francisco has served CSUSB in a variety of roles at both the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses.
In spring 2020, Undocumented Student Success Center (USSC) peer mentors were established as part of the Catalyst grant. Peer mentors are instrumental in keeping students engaged and informed about the USSC programming.
CSUSB Campus Advocate Cortni Ty Alexander helped the Denim Day Act of 2021, also referred to as Assembly Bill 939, get passed into law in California.
Tea with the VP took place on Nov. 16 at CSUSB. The event provided students the opportunity to meet Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Paz Olivérez, learn about the division, and share how we can support them on their educational journey.
October/November 2021 Issue
All students (regardless of vaccination status) who completed the COVID-19 Self-Certification form on the myCoyote portal are eligible for a free Coyote Pride t-shirt.
While many campuses put key initiatives on hold due to the global pandemic, the Division of Student Affairs moved forward with a strategic planning process that it had set the stage for in late 2019 and early 2020.
Meet Julia Ruiz! She is the Chair of the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) board of directors. Julia helps to oversee the SMSU and Recreation and Wellness Center.
SMSU Graphics team of student assistants use their talents to inform Yotes about the programs, resources, services, and events at CSUSB.
Tea with the VP and the Student Affairs Road Show kicked off this fall at the Palm Desert Campus on Thursday, Oct. 7. Students were able to attend both events back-to-back. Tea with the VP took place first at 10 a.m., followed by the Road Show at 11 a.m.
The Women's Resource Center (WRC) provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. It is a place for students to gather, gain support, and learn tools for social change.
The EOP program is one of 21+ departments in Student Affairs. It helps historically low-income, underrepresented, disadvantaged students succeed at CSUSB by providing support services.
Meet Dr. Anissa Rogers! She is the Associate Dean at the Palm Desert Campus. She joined the Coyote family in 2019. With more than 25 years of higher education experience, she is a veteran educator and administrator.
September 2021 Issue
All students (regardless of vaccination status) who completed the COVID-19 Self-Certification form on the myCoyote portal are eligible for a free Coyote Pride t-shirt. All vaccinated students are entered for a chance to win prizes.
Basic Needs is one of 21-plus departments in Student Affairs that provides services and resources to students. The department is broken down into four key areas: student wellness and food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial security programs.
The return to campus marked the return to competition for our CSUSB student-athletes who were sidelined due to the pandemic. This fall, four teams will be competing: women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer.
The Pan-African Student Success Center opened its doors in 2016 and became a place for students to get together, find community, study during breaks, and meet with student organizations.
Looking for a job or internship? Want to attend graduate school? Check out the Career Center’s virtual Career Fair on Oct. 21 from 1-4 p.m. There you’ll meet top employers and universities looking to fill those roles.
Meet Victoria Argot! She is the Counseling Supervisor in the Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program, which is a TRiO Student Support Services grant that has served nearly 5,000 students at CSUSB.
Meet Daisy Ramos Gomez! She is the new Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President. In this role, she advocates for all students at the local, state, and federal levels, making sure student voices are being heard at every table.
Recognizing the achievements of Student Affairs staff, administrators, and teams.
December 2020 Issue
This year, Coyote Cares Day was held virtually Oct. 19-24, allowing participants to make a difference from home. Student Affairs came out to support and help raise money for the charity Feeding America by participating in the virtual 5K.
The Veterans Success Center hosted its annual Thanksgiving Giveaway. The department was able to provide CSUSB students who currently serve or have served in the military with grocery gift cards for Thanksgiving.
Meet Vilayat Del Rossi! He is the director of Recreation and Wellness. Del Rossi joined the Coyote family in 2017 and has worked in the Cal State system for 16 years, previously working at both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Long Beach.
All 21-plus departments in Student Affairs are available to students virtually, including Upward Bound. The department will continue to offer all of their regular services, just remotely.
Meet Natalie Cleary! She is the Basic Needs coordinator and a recent recipient of the President’s Outstanding Employee Award. Cleary received the award in August at this year’s Convocation.
The student-led event Dish It Out was held Oct. 7 during Hispanic Heritage Month and and Pilipinx American History Month.
Recognizing the achievements of Student Affairs staff, administrators, and teams.