Working in a Team Structure
Each of the 350+ University Student Union (USU) student employees works in a team structure. That is why fostering principles of collaborative work is emphasized at every level. If the aim of the USU is to prepare Matadors for the future of work, whether the work is in person or virtual, working in a team structure requires that they learn and practice collegiality, respect, appreciation of differences, and collaboration to affect change. That development begins with its Board of Directors where the majority of seats (10 out of 16) are held by student representatives.
Melanie Alvarez
Chair, Board of Directors
2020-2021
"Becoming involved on campus was something super important for me but finding an opportunity that would allow me to be involved ... was a plus. The interpersonal growth, development, and experience I’ve received have exceeded all my expectations. I am able to work with an organization that prioritizes the needs of students and makes you feel like your voice as a student does matter.
"The USU’s mission and values are reflected in everything they do, especially in the employment opportunities they offer to students. I know when I leave the USU I will be prepared for the real world and not be intimidated by the opportunities out there. I am grateful for the wonderful people and mentors I have met along the way. They have all played a role in my transition to the chair of the board and I wouldn’t be here without them."
Tyrone Carter
Chair, Board of Directors
2019-2020
"While serving as the Chair of CSUN University Student Union, I had the pleasure of serving with a diverse board of directors, committed to fostering the achievement of students' educational goals by facilitating a strong connection between students and their campus community.
"What I learned was how to explicitly foster a culture of collaboration and which enabled better outcomes and overall performance.
"Collaborative decision-making and shared governance created a sense of ownership for diverse perspectives and recognized the importance of community needs as it pertained to ending disparities, fostering academic inclusive communities that discuss antiracist ideas, and lead students to approach their lives with an antiracist perspective in order to make social change. "
"These professionals within the organization have taught me so well and always made themselves available for helping me further my professionalism."
When Matadors asked, this dynamic Board, with support from its committees, joined staff to listen, research and approve requested community spaces such as the Student Recreation Center, Oasis Wellness Center, Pride Center, and Veterans Resource Center. In 2020, the DREAM Center for undocumented students allies and families was added. It is the job of these leaders to understand the structure of the nonprofit University Student Union and its decision-making process in order to create an inclusive environment where informed decisions are made and resources are used efficiently in service of the campus community.
Peer Mentoring Matters
Teamwork begins with caring which is why USU student leaders mentor one another by encouraging each other and holding themselves accountable to the committee, group, goal and outcome. Mentoring conversations are one method that the board chair and committee chairs have at their disposal as a tool to make these vital connections.
The governing board of the University Student Union includes 10 Student Representatives – the majority of the 16-member board. To prepare student representatives for the work of reviewing, evaluating and establishing policy for the nonprofit corporation, these representatives take part in a yearlong Leadership Development Program that includes workshops, a summer retreat and ongoing mentoring from committee executive secretaries and professional staff. Professional supervisors are strongly encouraged to engage their student employees in similar trainings and practices about team work.
Decision Making
Anually, student leaders who serve as members of the USU Board of Directors and its committees are assessed mid-year as a gauge to determine whether the tools of collaborative decision making are retained from the summer training. The executive secretaries of the board committees (audit, diversity & inclusion, facilities, finance, personnel, retirement) work with student committee chairs and co-chairs to research, discuss and analyze matters to be advanced to the board of directors for approval. At each level, students proopose courses of action and seek input from constituents.
S.M.A.R.T GOALS
Training includes defining and practicing goal setting based on the S.M.A.R.T. goals principles. Student leaders are assessed about their knowledge of the concept while being mentored by board and committee executive secretaries to execute the practice at all levels of decision-making.
"I built on my leadership skills as Supervisor and learned how to manage a team."
TEAMBUILDING
