Student leader tackles statewide issues

By Erin Leach |Staff Writer|

California State Student Association (CSSA) President and CSUSB student David Allison is an active leader on campus.

Aside working for CSSA, he also tackles several extra curricular activities on campus.

“On top of my responsibilities as CSSA President, I serve as Chairman of the SMSU Board of Directors, a member of the CSUSB Debate team, and a brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity here on campus,” said Allison.

CSSA represents the student voice of all 450,000 students within the CSU system., comprised of a board of directors, an executive committee and four full-time staff.

The California State Student Association (CSSA) compiles all 23 Cal-State campuses into one meeting, once a month, to tackle state and federal issues regarding tuition, admissions and student life.

“This week we are primarily watching the federal government and staying in contact with relevant elected officials and their staff to ensure that we keep up with issues such as sequestration in the CSU, Pell grants, and Accreditation,” says Allison.

He continues, “On the state side we are just starting to get conversations going regarding changes in the California Education Code.”

According to Allison, the position of president is an all inclusive position.
“By that I mean that I have oversight into every aspect of the organization. Aspects ranging from University Affairs policy issues such as CSU fee increases or implementation, making budgetary decisions, and dealing with governmental issues that affect students such as transfer requirements and the California Education Code.”

While he juggles multiple activities, Allison’s education is most important to him.
“I have been a CSU student for four years, and in my tenure as a student I have been involved in multiple student groups ranging from Lubos Paso all the way to intramural basketball.”

“When you have the opportunity to get to know such a variety of individuals, you inevitably develop a pulse for the feelings and thoughts of your fellow students,” said Allison.

Through his ability to relate to the student body, he continues to look for new issues that pertain to both him and his constituency.

“Important issues that I have had to face in the duration of my term include ensuring the passage of and advocacy of Proposition 30, halting and advocating against the three fees that Chancellor Charles Reed tried to pass on his way out, as well as lobbying within the California State Legislature to make Higher Education a priority,” said Allison.

“Currently, however, we are watching to see how our lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. pan out,” he added.
Allison reflects on his time in CSSA, saying it’s been a humbling experience.

Not only will this title add to his resume, but he believes that the benefits gained through experience will prove most rewarding in the end.

“The personal benefits far outweigh the professional … I get to form such great relationships with so many amazing people, and on top of that I get to learn so much that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do,” he says.

Allison is the president of a group responsible for an estimated half a million people.

He notes that his greatest challenge comes from leading such a smart task force.

“It has been a blessing to get to work with such smart individuals but sometimes — having so many great minds in one place can be challenging,” he says.

Allison takes pride in his university. “No matter if I’m meeting with the governor in California, or lobbying in Sacramento, I always wear my CSUSB pin with pride, hoping everyone will know that David Allison was made at CSUSB.”