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August STAR Award Recipient 

Nyla Vivas

Outreach & Retention Counselor, ACE Scholars Services

The STAR Award honors staff and faculty whose exceptional contributions exemplify our division’s mission to transform lives, one student at a time, whether through direct student engagement or vital behind-the-scenes support.

Nyla is being recognized for her dedication to student success and for creating a more informed, supportive, and connected campus community. As the Financial Aid Liaison for ACE Scholars Services, Nyla serves as a trusted resource for students with foster care experience, helping them navigate financial aid questions, connect with resources, and address potential barriers to their education. She has also led Foster Care Awareness Month events for the past two years, engaging the campus community in learning about the experiences of foster youth and the support available through ACE Scholars Services. Her continued outreach has helped expand awareness of the program and contributed to a record of 81 and counting students enrolled as active ACE Scholars for the upcoming semester. Beyond her primary role, Nyla serves as Treasurer of the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), where she contributes her time, organizational skills, and financial stewardship to support programming and opportunities for community and connection. Across each of these roles, Nyla demonstrates leadership, initiative, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring students and colleagues feel informed, supported, and connected. 

Who will be next?

We invite you to submit nominations for the April STAR Award. Help us continue to celebrate and recognize the amazing work happening across Student Affairs. Submit by October 9 at 11:59 p.m.

Note: Nominations will remain active for one year from the month of submission. This ensures that outstanding contributions are given thoughtful consideration over time and that the process is not solely driven by the number of nominations received each month.

Click here to learn more about our Division Recognition Program and view past award recipients. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 through October 15, CSUSM recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities. We are grateful to our Hispanic and Latine staff and faculty for the leadership, care, and perspectives you bring to CSUSM and the many ways you support our students.

Growing Together: CSUSM Celebrates Fifth Annual HSI Summit and Inaugural HSI Week

CSUSM celebrated its inaugural HSI Week Sept. 14-18, beginning with the fifth annual HSI Summit, themed “Seeds of Servingness: Growing Together.” The Summit invited participants to explore how the university can strengthen its practices to better serve students.

Throughout the week, programs celebrated culture, scholarship and community. Events included the Latine Heritage Month celebration “Floreciendo Juntos,” a gathering honoring CSUSM’s new Chicanx/Latinx Studies bachelor’s degree, the “Latine Reporte a la Comunidad,” the unveiling of the Latinx Center’s new mural, the Milpa Project Showcase and a panel on pathways to graduate education. The week concluded with “Conchas y Comunidad,” bringing the campus community together for conversation and connection.

Department Highlights

ASI Welcomes Students Back with First Night Celebration

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) welcomed more than 600 students to First Night Celebration to kick off the new academic year. Students enjoyed food, games and activities while connecting with their peers and learning about campus resources and services from participating campus partners. The event provided a fun and welcoming start to the new academic year.

Campus Recreation Fall 2026 Group Fitness Classes

Find your fit this fall with Campus Recreation Group Fitness! Whether you’re looking to stay active, de-stress, or simply add some movement to your day, these weekly classes are a great way to stay motivated while working out alongside the CSUSM community.

Fall group fitness classes run Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Nov. 20, with no classes on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Classes are free for enrolled CSUSM students. Faculty and staff can participate throughout the semester for a $55 semester fee.

It’s a convenient, on-campus way to get moving, recharge, and make fitness part of your fall routine!

Check the Campus Recreation Group Fitness website for the most up-to-date class schedule and more information, or follow Campus Recreation on Instagram @csusmrec.

Record Turnout at Part-Time Job Fair

The Career Center welcomed 751 students to its fall Part-Time Job Fair, marking the largest career fair turnout in the center’s recent history.

Students connected directly with employers, explored part-time jobs and expanded their professional networks. The record turnout highlights strong student interest in gaining experience and preparing for their future careers.

Celebrating 10 Years of Care, Connection and Community

Congratulations to the Cougar Care Network (CCN) on 10 years of supporting and caring for CSUSM students! Over the past decade, CCN has grown into a campuswide network of care, connecting students with resources and support when they need it most.

This milestone is also a celebration of the many colleagues and campus partners who have helped strengthen CCN through referrals, partnerships and shared resources.

And, of course, we can’t celebrate CCN without recognizing the Cougar Care Cart and its famous little ducks! Congratulations to the entire CCN team on 10 years of making sure our students know they are supported and cared for.

Student Opportunities

Know a student who needs a parking permit for Spring 2027? The ASI Parking Fund is accepting applications, giving students the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a spring parking permit. Applications are open through October 31 at 11:45 p.m. Students can apply and learn more about the ASI Parking Fund using the link below.

Welcome to the Student Affairs Family

Did your team recently welcome someone new? Help us spotlight new hires and introduce them to the division by filling out the form below.

Upcoming Events

October 7, 2026

Wellness Wednesday Yoga

11:00 am – 11:30 am | Commons 109 (Staff Center)

October 7, 2026

CHABSS Networking Night

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | USU Ballroom

Register here

October 12, 2026

The Canary Code

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | USU Ballroom

Get your tickets here

October 21, 2026

Table for Four: Lunch with Someone New

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm | Commons 109 (Staff Center)

Register here

October 22, 2026

Project Rebound Expungement Clinic

11:00 am - 2:00 pm | McMahan House

October 29, 2026

Student Affairs Fall Decorating Contest

Sign up by October 9, 2026

October 29, 2026

Student Affairs Fall Decorating Contest Gathering

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | The Dome (by the bookstore)

Submit your story for the October newsletter

Help us make this newsletter a reflection of the great things happening in Student Affairs by submitting your stories and shout-outs (like a thank you or team recognition) using the form below. Submissions are due by the 10th of the publication month.

Please note: The Student Affairs Newsletter is not a student-facing publication. Content should be intended for staff and faculty audiences. 

Missed a Communication?

Click below to catch up on any divisional emails or announcements you may have missed. We keep everything in one place so you can easily stay informed and connected.

Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time

www.csusm.edu/sa   |   studentaffairs@csusm.edu