CSSO Conference 2025

 
As we navigate through unprecedented times marked by the aftermath of the great shutdown due to COVID-19, ongoing racial injustices, and debates surrounding identity and existence, many of us are re-examining our “Why.” Why do we show up at our colleges and districts every day? Why do we engage in meetings to debate strategic objectives and goals? Why do we continue to pursue our calling with unwavering dedication?
 
The California Community Colleges Chief Student Services Officers (CSSO) Association’s unwavering goal is to support all CSSOs and student services professionals within the California community college system.
 
To that end, we are asking you to join us at the annual CSSO Association Student Services Leadership Conference and reconnect with your “why” This year’s theme of “Leading Boldly, Advocating Fiercely,” encourages you to be a part of a community where we can all be transformational leaders for those we serve. As student services professionals and leaders, we are a beacon of hope, working across divisions to support this vital purpose. The CSSO Association leadership conference provides an opportunity and intentional moment in time, where we can all commit and recommit to advocating for all students. The goal being to help students experience that feeling of inclusion and belonging, thereby allowing them to focus on their studies and prepare boldly and fiercely, for essential societal roles.
 
As this year’s President of the CSSO Board for 2024-2025, I am humbled and excited to support the redefinition of spaces to ensure all voices and identities have an equitable share in the direction we move, in coalition with our system leaders throughout the 116 California Community Colleges and our partners in the UC and CSU systems.
 
The task before us is no small feat, but I am grateful to enter this next chapter with such talented and dedicated colleagues. It truly takes a village to cultivate student success and care for one another.
 
In community,
 
Christopher T. Sweeten
Vice President of Student Services, Santiago Canyon College
President, California Community College Chief Student Services Officers Association
Pronouns: he/him/hisinar dapibus.