Guiding Principles
The following guiding principles were created to provide guidance to the Board of Directors and the Association to meet the needs of the membership and build collaboration with statewide partners. CCCSAA’s mission and guiding principles (Professional Development, Self-Agency, Ethical Leadership, Open and Honest Communication, and Social Justice and Equity) work in sync to support the overarching themes and core values of the Association.
Professional Development
To develop the awareness, knowledge, and skills of our members and students in order to transform our respective campuses and communities and prepare our members and students for advanced leadership positions.
- Provide student affairs professionals training on current trends in the field through our annual Professional Conference, Drive-In Regional Conferences, and the Student Leadership Conference
- Collaborate with the Chancellor’s Office, Student Senate for California Community Colleges, and other regional, state, and national organizations to support mentorship, enhance information sharing, identify emerging trends, implement best practices, and share training opportunities for both members and students
- Provide scholarship opportunities to student leaders and student affairs professionals which encourage and support the advancement of educational goals
- Develop strong interpersonal bonds and create a sense of community among student affairs professionals within the California Community College system
- Provide opportunities to better understand policies, procedures, and practices within California Community Colleges through our listserv, website, and other resources
Self-Agency
To make positive change, take steps, provide resources whereby individuals develop their own voice and advocate for themselves and others.
- Be a liaison to the Chancellor’s Office, promoting the field of Student Affairs and Student Leadership Development within the California Community College system
- Encourage our membership and students to pursue advanced degrees by providing support, information, and scholarships.
- Host an annual student leadership conference that focuses on ethical and effective advocacy skills to bring about social justice change
- Host an annual professional development conference that promotes self-agency, peer advocacy, and systemic advocacy
Ethical Leadership
Impact change in an ethical manner based on core values and research.
- Establish a forum (newsletters, workshops, listserv, website, blogs) for discussing fair and consistent application of policy, law, and the appropriate use of student funds
- Provide resources to teach students the value of serving without alternate motives, conflicting interests, or personal gain
- Provide workshops on contemporary issues regarding law, policy, and ethical considerations
Open and Honest Communication
Engage in open and honest dialogue, promoting effective leadership communication skills for members and students.
- Be transparent and inclusive in all actions and transactions of the organization
- Inform membership of local, state, and national conferences and professional development
- Maintain an active social media and web presence as well as provide opportunities to develop and nurture professional relationships
- Disseminate regular publications and listserv announcements to inform members of upcoming events and leadership development opportunities
- Identify and understand membership and student needs and connect to appropriate resources
Social Justice and Equity
Recognize the ways that privilege and oppression impact our work as student affairs professionals and how to best support a diverse college community.
- Encourage brave dialogue on issues of injustice impacting our communities
- Empower colleagues and students in finding creative solutions, which may include restorative justice practices, when they challenge inequitable practices and policies
- Share resources, programs, events, and best practices
- Support colleagues who are faced with challenges and roadblocks when enacting social justice initiatives
- Advance an interlocking and intersectional approach to (in)justice, power, and oppression.
- Commit to continuous self-learning about social justice, identity development, power, and privilege