When the Sac State University Staff Assembly [USA] election results were announced in August, multiple members of the College of Continuing Education [CCE] community were named to various committees. 

The assembly is dedicated to supporting the University’s mission to extend the campus community beyond the classroom and workplace. With their guidance and leadership, they strive to strengthen staff contributions to the campus community, encourage representation on campus-wide committees, and sponsor social events and staff recognition.

The following staff have been elected to the following committees: 

• Jackie Jang – University Disability Advocacy Committee
• Jessika Morrison – Curriculum Policies Committee
• Michelle Steen – Faculty Policies Committee
• Nicole Baptista – General Education/Graduation Requirement Policy Committee

Dr. Anna Keck, director of Academic and Professional Programs, was proud that so many staff members want to serve the university community. 

“Their involvement reflects a deep commitment to service and a strong sense of dedication to the mission of the university as a whole,” said Dr. Keck. “Their engagement with committees provides an enriching professional development opportunity, as well as the opportunity to develop and cultivate cross-campus connections with colleagues they might otherwise not have had a chance to work with.  These relationships strengthen the overall fabric of the university – allowing us all to collaborate more effectively as we work to advance the mission of the university.”

All four CCE staff members echoed Dr. Keck’s sentiments, saying they all see value in representing CCE in these committees. 

“It gives CCE a spot at the table to hear about policy changes that will affect our students we serve,” Nicole Baptista, Lead Program Advisor, said.

What inspired CCE staff members to volunteer?

While Jessika and Michelle called the work valuable and rewarding, Jackie Jang said her inspiration was more personal. 

Jackie is serving a one-year post on the University Disability Advocacy Committee. 

“I grew up in a large family with two disabled parents. I witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and dignity that shaped my values and continue to guide my advocacy work,” said Jackie. “I am a strong advocate in the belief that all individuals are capable and deserve to be celebrated and supported in achieving their academic and personal goals. I am honored to contribute my experience and passion to the committee’s important work.”

Currently, Jackie is collaborating with the Disability Access Center [DAC] to ensure that a student in the CSUS CCE Degree Completion program — where she serves as a coordinator — receives the best and timely support needed to thrive academically.

What are the roles of USA committee members? 

The different committees will serve different functions. For example, senior program manager Jessika Morrison said, as a staff representative for the Curriculum Policies Committee, she attends meetings, listens to new business, and engages in conversations with various staff and faculty about upcoming policies that impact students, staff, and faculty on campus. 

“While I am not a voting member, my contributions and opinions are considered before a policy is put into place,” Jessika said. “It’s helpful to have a CCE representative in attendance at these meetings because often, CCE is considered last or sometimes not at all when thinking about how a university policy might have an impact on CCE students or the way we engage the other colleges to provide our offerings.”

Senior Program Management Specialist Michelle Steen will also participate as a non-voting member on the Faculty Policies Committee. She said she sees the value in advocating for and considering the faculty’s needs. 

“I bring the perspective of an educator who has moved into an administrative career to my work,” Michelle said, adding she earned degrees in English and Studio Art, then an MFA in Figurative Painting. 

When she first arrived in Sacramento, Michelle taught classes, led educational initiatives, and managed public programs at the Crocker Art Museum. She made a career switch to higher education administration in 2021. 

“I see a through line in my passion for ongoing education across my career diversions through different fields,” Michelle said. “Now I get to work with students eager to learn and realize their goals, and instructors who have great skill and experience in sharing their disciplines. I appreciate these perspectives and feel lucky to support collaborative relationships.”

To learn more about the University Staff Assembly, visit their website here.