Student Involvement
It’s not uncommon for someone from these offices/clubs to approach you, seeking permission to use five minutes of your class time for them to promote and recruit other students. If you can, let them! But also know you can decline. And if it makes sense, consider encouraging your students to join these groups; it positively changes the student experience.
2.8 STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Getting involved on campus can increase students' sense of belonging, which research demonstrates is a significant factor in closing equity gaps in student retention and graduation. At CSUN, opportunities for student involvement, including clubs & organizations, fraternity & sorority life, leadership programs, and volunteer projects, are organized out of the Matador Involvement Center (MIC). The MIC encourages students to get involved and provides information about clubs & organizations, fraternity & sorority life, leadership programs, and volunteer projects.
There are over 200 clubs and organizations at CSUN. You can search for clubs affiliated with your department or research interests and help students identify clubs they may be interested in by visiting the involvement platform: MataSync.
University Student Union
The University Student Union (USU) at CSUN is a student-centered nonprofit organization that works to expand the college experience through various programs, services, employment and involvement opportunities.
The USU, as the heart of campus, uplifts and empowers students to achieve educational, personal and professional goals by providing leadership development, meaningful employment, and innovative programs, services and facilities. We promote equity, inclusion and well-being, while encouraging social justice advocacy to help Matadors feel heard, respected and connected to CSUN.
The University Student Union is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a student-led board of directors.
The University Student Union also offers opportunities for students to connect through five campus Centers.
Student Recreation Center
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) of the University Student Union is a dynamic 283,000-square-foot facility that features state-of-the-art equipment along with a variety of exercise and leisure activities. It includes weight and fitness zones, a rock climbing wall, three-court gymnasium, multi-activity court, fitness and group exercise studios, racquetball court, indoor track, outdoor turf field and a recreational/lap swimming pool, as well as intramural leagues, sport clubs and equipment rentals.
Oasis Wellness Center
The Oasis Wellness Center of the University Student Union is a welcoming destination where CSUN students can find serenity and revitalization amid the rush and activity of campus life. The Oasis features a wide range of health and wellness programs intended to promote student academic success.
DREAM Center
The DREAM Center of the University Student Union at CSUN is a welcoming resource center that provides resources and services to undocumented students, mixed-status families, staff, faculty, allies and future undocumented students while fostering a more inclusive campus community. DREAM stands for Dreamers, Resources, Empowerment, Advocacy and Mentorship.
The DREAM Center provides an array of services and resources, including but not limited to:
· Programs & Services for Undocumented Students
· Assistance with AB 540, DREAM Act, & scholarships (walk-in or by appointment)
· Legal Services Referrals through the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles (CARECEN)
· Referrals to On- & Off-Campus Partners supporting undocumented students
· Undocu-Ally & Policy Literacy Trainings
· Consultation on undocumented student concerns
Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) of the University Student Union assists CSUN students as they transition from military service to academic success. The VRC promotes the personal, professional and academic development of student veterans, reservists, members of the National Guard and their dependents with support services, resources and community-building events.
The VRC provides an array of services and resources, including but not limited to:
· Programs & Services for Veterans and Military-Connected Students
· Referrals to CSUN Veteran Affairs to assist with navigating the GI Bill and other educational benefits, including priority registration
· Referrals to On- & Off-Campus Partners supporting student veterans
· Joining Forces Veteran Ally Trainings aimed at educating the CSUN community on how to effectively support and advocate for student veterans
· Consultation on student veteran concerns
Pride Center
The Pride Center of the University Student Union supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQIA+) and questioning students, faculty and staff through programming and educational outreach to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as to advocate for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community.
The Pride Center provides an array of services and resources, including but not limited to:
· Programs & Services for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff
· LGBTQIA+ Media Library
· Referrals to On- & Off-Campus Partners supporting LGBTQIA+ students
· LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Trainings
· Consultation on LGBTQIA+ student concerns