Student trustees OK'd

By Suzanne Johnson
Summer Forty-Niner

Increased student representation on the California State University Board of Trustees is one step closer to being a reality after legislation was approved last week by the California State Assembly.

Assembly Bill 213, which calls for the addition of a second student trustee, was endorsed by a vote of 60-15. It will now be considered in the Senate.

The bill, written by Assemblywoman Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), requires the Governor to appoint two student trustees as opposed to just one. The trustees will have staggered terms in order to ensure consistent student leadership. While both are permitted to attend all board meetings and hearings, voting privileges will only be extended to the senior trustee. 

“Having two student trustees will ensure that a student perspective is provided at all board meetings and hearings,” Romero said. 

Not only will two trustees be able to handle the responsibilities of the job more efficiently, but as student enrollment within the CSU system increases, it is more crucial than ever to increase student representation, supporters say.