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Advocacy Toolkit

This A.S. Advocacy Toolkit serves as a centralized advocacy resource for all students. It provides the tools and support needed to amplify student voices on and off campus, advance causes you care about and access help and guidance in one accessible place. Locate the different ways to contact your local officials, get help with issues outside of campus and take action!

A.S. student leaders at the California Capitol building.

Find Your Advocacy Route:

Click the different boxes below to explore how you can make an impact from campus to the capitol!

Know Your Rights:

Click the boxes to stay informed about your rights on and off campus.

Systemwide Advocacy

SDSU is a part of the Cal State University (CSU) system made up of 22 universities. Policy decisions in place at SDSU are often reflective of CSU-wide policies. Find ways to advocate on a systemwide level here!

SDSU students at the Cal State Student Government convention in Sacramento.
Cal State Student Association (CSSA) Overview

What is the Cal State Student Association (CSSA)?

The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) is a student-led, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1959. It represents and advocates for the over 482,000 students across the California State University (CSU) system, striving to improve student lives and ensure their voices are heard in higher education policy at systemwide, state and federal levels.

Who CSSA Serves

CSSA serves all CSU students and is officially recognized by the CSU Board of Trustees and the California legislature as the students' voice on issues including but not limited to access, affordability and quality education.

Organization Structure

CSSA is governed by:
  • Board of Directors:

    Includes one voting and one alternate representative from each of the 23 CSU campuses.

  • Elected Officers:

    Five executive officers (President, Chair and three Vice Presidents) serve one-year terms from June to May.

  • Committees and Staff:

    Seven committees and eight professional staff members based in Long Beach and Sacramento provide support and manage operations.

Funding

CSSA is funded by the Student Involvement & Representation Fee (SIRF), a $2 fee charged twice a year to all CSU students. SIRF promotes CSSA’s independence and accountability while supporting advocacy efforts.

Take Action: CSSA Website

Board of Trustees

What is the Board of Trustees?

The 25-member Board of Trustees adopts regulations and policies governing the entire CSU system. Board committees have authority over educational policy, finance, campus planning and facilities, among other areas.

Take Action: Board of Trustees Website

Click on the link above to review agendas, watch live meetings and submit public comments.

Advocacy at SDSU

Want to make a positive change on campus? Have an issue you want to advocate for? Find a few of the ways to take action at SDSU!

The Marketing Committee at a meeting.
Associated Students

What is Associated Students? (A.S.)

A.S. is a unifying and empowering student-directed organization dedicated to serving and involving students at SDSU by enhancing the college experience that leads to a higher quality of life now and in the future.

Ways to Get Involved

  • A.S. External Relations Board:

    Identify issues impacting students and develop action plans and policy positions while collaborating with other entities focused on community and government relations.

  • A.S. Lobby Corps:

    Advocate for students at the local, state and national level on matters pertaining to higher education, the CSU system and SDSU.

  • Experiential Learning:

    Apply to be a delegate at the California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS) and advocate in Sacramento on behalf of the California State University system and its respective campuses. Interact with legislators and policy makers as well as attend workshops and lobbying sessions. Applications for CHESS open in the fall.

Take Action: A.S. Get Involved Website

Your Voice Matters

Your Voice Matters (YVM) is an initiative made for students, by students. Housed under the A.S. University Affairs Board, YVM is dedicated to amplifying the student voice through positive change, and spreading awareness about on-campus resources. Submit a comment, concern, idea or suggestion and tell us what you would like to see improved or offered at SDSU!

Take Action: YVM Website

In the Classroom

What is the Student Ombudsman?

The Student Ombudsman provides information, advice, referrals and intervention to students at SDSU. The Student Ombudsman is a student-focused resource and supports students in addressing and resolving concerns or issues that may arise within the University.

Examples of issues handled by the Ombudsman:

  • Financial aid
  • Fee disputes
  • Campus housing
  • Late withdrawals/adds/drops
  • Grade appeals
  • Faculty/staff conflicts
  • Enrollment

Take Action: Email ombuds@sdsu.edu to schedule an appointment to advocate for issues on campus.

CARES (Campus Assistance, Response, Evaluation and Support) at SDSU

The CARES Team offers outreach and support to students facing significant and complex concerns related to their health, well-being or behavior. Their office collaborates with students to emphasize their personal strengths, connect them with available resources and assist them in navigating university policies and practices. The CARES Team helps balance the needs, interests, safety, and well-being of each student with the needs, interests, safety and well-being of the community, helping individual students and the broader community achieve stability.

Take Action: CARES Website

Citywide Advocacy

SDSU is located within the City of San Diego, where local policies and ordinances directly impact students and surrounding communities. Decisions made at the city level influence housing, transportation, public safety and neighborhood development. Find ways to advocate at the city level here!

The San Diego City skyline.
Overview of the Legislation Process

How a City Ordinance begins in San Diego:

  1. Idea

    A City of San Diego ordinance or resolution begins as an idea or concern. Ideas may come from City Councilmembers, the Mayor, city departments, community organizations or residents. A City Councilmember typically sponsors the item to move it forward.

  2. Drafting the Ordinance or Resolution

    The sponsoring Councilmember works with the City Attorney’s Office to draft the ordinance or resolution. City staff may provide reports, data and policy recommendations to support the item before it is formally introduced.

  3. Introduction/First Reading

    The ordinance or resolution is introduced at a City Council meeting and placed on the official Council agenda.

    The item’s title is read, and it is presented for first reading. Ordinances generally require two readings at separate Council meetings before adoption. Public comments may be accepted during this stage, depending on the agenda item.

  4. Committee Review and Public Hearings

    Many items are referred to a City Council Committee (such as Rules, Land Use and Housing or Public Safety) for review.

    During committee meetings, City staff present reports, and public testimony is heard. The committee may recommend approval, amendments or denial of the item. Letters of support or opposition should be submitted prior to committee hearings.

  5. City Council Action

    After committee review, the item returns to the full City Council for consideration.

    Ordinances receive a second reading, followed by discussion and a roll-call vote. A majority vote of the City Council is generally required for passage, though some items require a higher threshold. Amendments may be adopted at this stage.

  6. Mayoral Review

    Once approved by the City Council, the ordinance or resolution is sent to the Mayor. The Mayor may:

    • Sign the ordinance into law. Allow it to become law without a signature.
    • Veto the ordinance (a City Council supermajority vote is required to override a veto).
  7. San Diego Municipal Code

    Approved ordinances are assigned an ordinance number and incorporated into the San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC). Ordinances typically take effect after a specified period following adoption, unless designated as urgent. Once effective, the ordinance becomes enforceable city law within the City of San Diego.

How to Read a City Ordinance

City policy can often be hard to find and the wording can often be confusing — reference these tips when reading an ordinance!

  • Locate the Ordinance

    Access the city's official website or the relevant online repository or the City of San Diego Council Resolutions and Ordinances website.

  • Find the Table of Contents or Index

    Each San Diego ordinance has a unique ordinance number and a title that summarizes its purpose. The ordinance number helps you track the item across City Council agendas, committee hearings and final votes. Review the City Council docket information to see when the ordinance was introduced, which committee reviewed it, and whether amendments were made. Check whether the ordinance was passed on first reading and second reading, as San Diego ordinances require multiple readings before adoption.

  • Identify the Ordinance Number and Title

    The ordinance number is a unique identifier, and the title provides a concise description of the ordinance's purpose.

  • Understand the Structure

    City codes are typically organized into titles, chapters and sections. In addition, the sections are the individual legal provisions.

  • Analyze the Language
    • Words such as “shall” and “must” indicate mandatory actions.
    • Words such as “may” or “authorized” indicate discretionary authority.
    • Look for definitions, exceptions, enforcement provisions and penalties, which are often included later in the ordinance.
Contact Your Local Officials

Take action by calling your local representatives to advocate in support of or opposition to a city ordinance or policy.

To contact your local representative, find their contact information on the San Diego City Council website.

Helpful Tips For Calls:

  • Be brief

    Staff answering phones or reviewing emails often have limited background on the issue and are listening for your key points.

  • Contact the correct office

    Look up your member of Congress and reach out only to your designated representative. Most offices do not track messages from outside their district.

  • Be professional and respectful

    You represent yourself and your community — make your message clear, courteous and constructive.

  • Be patient

    You may be speaking with a staff member or intern managing a high volume of communications. They are doing their best to relay messages accurately.

  • Don’t be discouraged by a brief interaction

    If you’re only asked for your name, address, and position, it likely means the office is receiving a high number of calls.

Sample Script for a Call:

  1. Make a brief introduction:

    "Hi my name is ___, I’m a (insert year) SDSU student and I live at ____."

  2. Introduce your issue and share your position:

    "I’m calling in today to discuss my (support/opposition) to (Insert legislation/bill number/issue). (Describe why the issue matters and its impacts, as well as your expectations for action taken)."

  3. Provide additional support and information to back up your claim:

    "I am in support of/against this (bill/legislation/issue) because (personal reasons). This (bill/legislation/issue) will have negative/positive impacts on (students, residents, etc) due to (reasoning.)"

  4. Ask for direct contact on what you want them to do:

    "I ask for your (support/opposition) in voting (yes/no) on this (bill/legislation/issue). Is it possible for me to speak to the member of staff who is leading this issue?"

  5. Thank the individual and wrap up the conversation:

    "Thank the individual and wrap up the conversation: I appreciate your time and consideration in regards to this issue. If needed, you can reach me at (number/email)."

City Council Meeting Agendas

Review agendas to learn about the legislation impacting your community that is moving throughout the city legislative process.

Take Action: City Council Meeting Agendas

Request City Services

If you need assistance with something in your off-campus San Diego neighborhood (trash pickup, streetlight outages, potholes, items blocking the street, etc.), file a GET IT DONE request — this informs your local officials of the problem.

Take Action: Get It Done website

Advocate at the State Level

The State of California oversees policies and legislation that directly impact students and public universities. Learn what’s happening in state government, understand how the legislative process works and build the skills to interpret state policy. Find ways to track bills, contact your representatives and submit letters of support for legislation here!

The California capitol building.
Overview of the California Legislative Process

How Legislation is Passed in California

  1. Idea

    Legislation begins as an idea, often from a variety of sources. A Senator or Assembly Member agrees to author the bill.

  2. Drafting the Bill

    The author submits the idea to the Legislative Counsel, where it is drafted into formal bill language and returned for introduction in either the Senate or Assembly.

  3. Introduction and First Reading

    The bill is introduced when its number, author, and title are read on the floor. It is then sent for printing. No formal action may occur for 30 days after introduction.

  4. Committee Hearings

    The Rules Committee assigns the bill to the appropriate policy committee based on its subject matter. Bills with fiscal impact are also referred to the Appropriations Committee.

    During hearings, the author presents the bill and testimony is heard. The committee may pass, amend, or defeat the bill. A majority vote is required for passage. Letters of support or opposition should be submitted prior to the hearing.

  5. Second and Third Readings

    After passing the committee, the bill is read a second time and placed on third reading. At third reading, the author presents the bill, followed by floor debate and a roll-call vote. Most bills require a majority vote (21 votes in the Senate, 41 votes in the Assembly), while some require a higher threshold.

  6. Repeat Process in the Other House

    The approved bill moves to the other house, where it goes through the same process.

  7. Resolving Differences

    If the second house amends the bill, the house of origin must approve those changes. If agreement cannot be reached, a conference committee may be appointed to resolve differences.

  8. Governor

    Once both houses approve, the bill goes to the Governor, who can:

    • Sign it into law.
    • Allow it to become law without signing.
    • Veto it (a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses).
  9. California Law

    Approved bills receive a chapter number and are added to the California Codes. Most laws take effect on January 1 of the following year, unless designated as urgency measures, which take effect immediately.

Find Bills Related to Higher Education

Track the higher education bills that are going through the California State Legislature.

Take Action: California Higher Education Bill Tracker

How to Read a Bill

Legislation can be difficult to locate and the language can be complex. Use these tips to better understand what a bill does and how it may impact you.

  • Bill Number

    Found on the cover, the bill number indicates the chamber of origin:

    • AB = Assembly Bill
    • SB = Senate Bill

    The number reflects its sequence within the two-year legislative session (e.g., AB 2949 is the 2,949th Assembly Bill introduced that session).

  • Introduction Date and Author

    The cover lists the bill’s introduction date and at least one author. The first author named is the primary author responsible for advancing the bill.

  • Statutory Reference

    This identifies the specific chapter, paragraph, or section of California law that will be added, amended, or repealed if the bill passes.

  • Vote Requirements and Fiscal Impact

    Bills indicate the type of vote required (majority or two-thirds). They may also note whether the bill has fiscal impact, must pass through the Appropriations Committee, or creates a state-mandated local program.

  • Amended Language

    After the enacting clause, the bill text shows the section of law being amended.

    • Strikethrough text indicates deletions.
    • Italicized text indicates new or amended language.
    • Regular type is used if the bill creates entirely new law.
  • Key Words to Watch

    Certain words signal the strength of the policy:

    • “Shall” or “must” indicate a mandate.
    • “May,” “can” or “encouraged” indicate discretion or permissive action.
  • Bill Analyses

    Legislative consultants prepare bill analyses before committee hearings and floor debates. These summaries explain the bill’s purpose, key provisions, fiscal impact and list support and opposition. Analyses are available on the California Legislative Information website.

Send a Support Letter for a Bill

Do you feel passionately about a bill? Send a letter of support to the committee where it resides.

Take Action: California Legislature Position Letter Portal

Call your Local Officials

Take action by calling your local representatives to advocate in support of or opposition to a legislation or policy.

To contact your local representative, visit the San Diego City Council website.

Helpful Tips For Calls:

  • Be brief

    Staff answering phones or reviewing emails often have limited background on the issue and are listening for your key points.

  • Contact the correct office

    Look up your member of Congress and reach out only to your designated representative. Most offices do not track messages from outside their district.

  • Be professional and respectful

    You represent yourself and your community — make your message clear, courteous and constructive.

  • Be patient

    You may be speaking with a staff member or intern managing a high volume of communications. They are doing their best to relay messages accurately.

  • Don’t be discouraged by a brief interaction

    If you’re only asked for your name, address, and position, it likely means the office is receiving a high number of calls.

Sample Script for a Call:

  1. Make a brief introduction:

    "Hi my name is ___, I’m a (insert year) SDSU student and I live at ____."

  2. Introduce your issue and share your position:

    "I’m calling in today to discuss my (support/opposition) to (Insert legislation/bill number/issue). (Describe why the issue matters and its impacts, as well as your expectations for action taken)."

  3. Provide additional support and information to back up your claim:

    "I am in support of/against this (bill/legislation/issue) because (personal reasons). This (bill/legislation/issue) will have negative/positive impacts on (students, residents, etc) due to (reasoning.)"

  4. Ask for direct contact on what you want them to do:

    "I ask for your (support/opposition) in voting (yes/no) on this (bill/legislation/issue). Is it possible for me to speak to the member of staff who is leading this issue?"

  5. Thank the individual and wrap up the conversation:

    "I appreciate your time and consideration in regards to this issue. If needed, you can reach me at (number/email)."

Encounters with Federal Immigration Officers

A woman using a cell phone.
If You See an Immigration Official on Campus

If you become aware that immigration officers are present on campus to carry out enforcement activity, contact the following campus designees as soon as possible, as they have been assigned to respond directly.

  • SDSU Primary Contact:

    Senior Associate Vice President, Administration Jessica Rentto at 619-594-8640 or 619-594-6017

  • SDSU Secondary Contact:

    Associate Vice President of Safety Josh Mays at 619-594-3692

  • SDSU Imperial Valley Contact:

    Dean Gina Nunez-Michiri at 760-768-5520.

  • After hours:

    Students, faculty and staff may call the University Police Department at 619-594-1991; those at SDSU Imperial Valley can call campus security at 760-790-7124.

If You Have Contact with an Immigration Official on Campus

If an immigration officer approaches you to carry out a federal immigration order, contact one of the campus liaisons (listed above) right away. Under state law, officers are not permitted to enter non-public spaces such as classrooms, residence halls, offices or resource centers without proper legal authorization. Faculty, staff and students should not provide information or respond to requests from immigration officers directly. Instead, they should immediately refer the officers to the university’s designated leads (listed above) so the situation can be handled appropriately.

If any SDSU employee receives or learns of an inquiry from immigration officials, to include administrative warrants, subpoenas, judicial orders or other requests for information or access, the employee should take the following actions: Employees are not allowed to give voluntary consent or provide assistance to any searches, per state law. Immigration officers are allowed to enter any public space on campus but are not allowed in sensitive locations like classrooms, residence halls, resource centers and offices without a judicial warrant. If approached by an immigration officer, employees are required to contact the campus designee immediately. The campus designee will engage with the immigration official.

Engaging in Free Expression

San Diego State University deeply values and supports free speech and freedom of expression, which are fundamental rights and core to our nation’s democracy. Click to learn about your freedom of speech on campus!

On Campus

Time, Place and Manner:

Review the university’s Buildings and Ground Policy and Free Speech site for information. You may not disrupt classes, university classes, events, activities or other operations or block building access.

Any restrictions must meet the following criteria. They must:

  • Be viewpoint neutral.

  • Be narrowly tailored based on the use of a location for speech activities, as coordinated by the university.

  • Serve a significant government interest and may not be more extensive than necessary.

  • Leave open other channels for the communication of the information.

Voting Rights

Voting is one of the most direct ways to participate in decisions that affect your campus and community. Every eligible student has the right to register and cast an informed ballot, and Associated Students (A.S.) prioritizes supporting students in exercising that right.

At SDSU, A.S. leads voter outreach and education efforts through its Rock the Vote initiative. This year-round program helps students understand their voting options, register accurately and stay informed about local, state and national elections. Through registration drives, ballot education, volunteer opportunities and campus partnerships, A.S. works to ensure civic participation is accessible and supported for all students.

Find Your On-Campus Voter Registration Address

When registering to vote, it's important to use the correct address. For students living in on-campus housing, your voter registration address should be your building's designated UPS Store mailing address, not the general SDSU campus address. Using the correct address ensures your voter registration is tied to the right precinct and that any mail-in ballots reach you. Look up your building's specific mailing address using the link below.

Take Action: On-Campus Residential Mailing Addresses

Register to Vote

Whether you're registering for the first time or updating your registration after moving, it's important to make sure your information is current before an election. Requirements and deadlines vary by state, so use the link below to find registration resources specific to where you're registered. California students can register online up to 15 days before Election Day, with same-day conditional registration available after that deadline.

Take Action: Voter Registration Links (Per State)

Associated Students Rock the Vote Website

Rock the Vote (RTV) is A.S.' year-round civic engagement initiative dedicated to increasing the voter and civic engagement of SDSU students. RTV is committed to ensuring that students have the opportunity, education and resources to vote safely and securely, and to be advocates for their community. Visit the website to learn about upcoming events, voter resources and ways to get involved.

Take Action: Rock the Vote Website