The Otter Student Union (OSU) has seen many new amenities added over the past couple of years, whether it be the newly added refill and emergency contraceptive stations or new activities like the esports lounge.
So who is behind the scenes helping these decisions get made at the OSU?
That would be the Board of Directors. As described on their website page, they are the group who “manages the business and affairs of the OSU and operates solely for the benefit of Cal State Monterey Bay.” They are a recognized 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization, meaning that they are an independently run, nonprofit organization.
Their job consists of keeping track of the funds that are allocated for new resources and events, voting on new ideas to improve the student union, and interacting with the community to gain feedback.
Third year kinesiology major Adan Olague is the current chair on the board and his role is to conduct their meetings and cover everything on the agenda. “I’m more of a resource and I’m here to help with everybody and just kind of keep things in order,” said Olague.
OSU director Jeff Rensel’s role is overseeing all the staff that help operate and run the programs. “I have a vested interest in what the board has to say because everything the board says ends up being how we do things on campus.”
But they aren’t the only students and faculty involved here. The Board of Directors consists of eight student members, three different representatives, and two designated directors who are appointed by the board.
Adan Olague: Chair
Inara Cruz-Boone: Vice Chair
Skylar Walters: Treasurer
Savanah Browder: Secretary
Kanishka Harchandani: Student Director
David Orta: Student Director
Fabiana Fadda: Student Director
David Santizo: Student Director
Carisse Ballard: Alumni Representative
Dr. Babita Gupta: Faculty Representative
Dan Burfeind: Community Representative
Jeff Rensel: OSU Director
Dr. Reuban Rodriguez: AVP and Dean of Students, EMSA
Both Olague and Rensel hope to be a platform for the student body through their duties as board members, giving them their own reasons why they love what they do.
Olague brought up an event, “Spray Away Stress,” a finals week destressor that allowed students to release the stress and tension from their classes into art. “As we’re all students, I think it’s also nice to have some event or something to get away from classes as a whole,” Olague says.
To him, the success of the event embodied the true spirit of what the board can do for the community. “It was such an amazing thing to see because small things like that, initiated by the board, bring a big outcome and a big impact for students to be able to connect with other people.”
Rensel is driven to help enhance the OSU to be one of the best student unions, and in turn, help make CSUMB the best school it can be. “I took a career in higher education because of the student experience,” said Rensel. “I feel like working in the Student Union, in the heartbeat of campus, has given me an opportunity to really help the outside of the classroom experience for each and every student.”
You can get involved by applying to be a part of the board at the end of the year, but the current board members want to make sure you know that you can communicate with them at any time. “We’re always open and willing to talk to anybody, if anything,” said Olague.
You can contact the Board of Directors at [email protected]
Their monthly meetings are open to the public, with a dedicated timeslot for the community to come in and bring suggestions. They are working to add channels to leave feedback digitally and physically across the OSU.
If you have an idea that you think might make a difference, bring it to the board. They are always looking for the next thing to make our experience as students more convenient.
“We exist to support CSUMB and its students,” Rensel says.