Associated Students

Associated Students is CSUMB’s student government, giving you a voice and opportunities to lead, advocate, and get involved on campus.

Students posing in front of Statue

Student-Led Leadership, Advocacy and Support for Campus Life

Associated Students (AS) is the official student government organization at Cal State Monterey Bay. Associated Students represents your voice in campus decision-making and oversees programs, services and funding that support campus life.

Through collaboration with university administration and campus departments, Associated Students helps address concerns, allocate resources and guide initiatives that shape your experience. This includes support for campus events, student organizations, sports clubs, media and services used throughout the year.

Associated Students also offers ways for you to take part in leadership, advocacy and campus operations. Through elected positions, councils, committees and paid roles, you can gain experience while contributing to the campus community.

Our Purpose

Mission

Associated Students exists to represent your voice, support your involvement, and create opportunities that help you feel connected, supported, and engaged on campus.

Vision

Associated Students envisions a campus where you have real opportunities to lead, collaborate, and help shape decisions that affect your experience and the wider university community.

Values

The work of Associated Students is guided by equity, advocacy, collaboration, transparency and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces where you feel welcome and heard.

Get Involved with Associated Students

There are many ways for you to take part in Associated Students, whether you want to lead, create, advocate, or support campus life.

You can get involved by:

No matter how you choose to participate, Associated Students offers opportunities to build leadership skills while contributing to the campus community.

AS Spring 2026 Scholarships

The Associated Students (AS) offers several different types of scholarships for current students enrolled at CSUMB to apply for. Spring 2026 AS scholarship applications will be open from February 19– March 7 at 11:59 pm. Questions: ascob@csumb.edu

Recognizing the financial burden of commuting, the Associated Students (AS) has established the AS Commuter Scholarship to support CSU Monterey Bay students who live off-campus and rely on non-public transportation to campus.

Apply Now!

Recognizing the special needs of our CSUMB students, given the current statewide housing crisis, the Associated Students (AS) has allocated an AS Housing Scholarship for eligible students. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to excel academically at the university in addition to their community involvement activities while at CSUMB, to be considered.

Apply Now!

The Associated Students (AS) Cap & Gown Scholarship was created to support CSUMB students in celebrating their academic achievements without financial barriers. We recognize that graduation costs, including purchasing a cap and gown, can be a challenge for many students. Through this scholarship, AS helps ensure that every Otter has the opportunity to walk proudly at commencement, fully equipped with the proper regalia.

Apply Now!

To support students in completing their final academic milestone, the Associated Students (AS) has established the AS Capstone Scholarship typically awarded to seniors working on their Capstone projects.

*co-sponsored by the alumni association

Apply Now!

The Meal Plan Scholarship at CSUMB is a vital initiative aimed at ensuring that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal. More than just a response to food insecurity, this scholarship embodies the university’s commitment to student well-being, academic

success, and equity. It provides eligible students with access to nutritious meals on campus, helping them stay focused, energized, and engaged in their studies and campus life. 

Apply Now!

The Associated Students (AS) has established the Otter Raft Scholars Award to support second-semester freshmen and transfer students as they continue their academic journey at CSU Monterey Bay. The Otter Raft Scholars Award reflects AS’s commitment to student success, equity, and retention by helping alleviate financial barriers that can impact a student’s ability to remain enrolled and focused on their education. Funds may be used to support educational expenses such as tuition, housing, books, food, transportation, or other essential costs that contribute to a student’s overall well-being and academic success.

Apply Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Associated Students supports clubs, organizations and student-led initiatives across campus. Through funding, advising and coordination, Associated Students helps groups plan events, manage budgets and stay connected to campus resources.

General student organizations are supported by the Inter Club Council (ICC), while sports and recreation teams are supported by the Sports Club Council (SCC).

You can access a variety of services through Associated Students, including discounted tickets to local attractions and events, support for campus programming and other student-focused resources that change throughout the year.

Availability may vary by semester, so stopping by the Associated Students office is the best way to learn what’s currently offered.

Associated Students offers several scholarships designed to help with common costs you may face while enrolled. Scholarship availability and amounts vary by year, but examples include:

  • Commuter Scholarship – helps offset the cost of traveling to campus
  • Housing Scholarship – supports students managing housing-related expenses
  • Book Scholarship – helps cover textbooks and required course materials
  • Capstone Scholarship – supports students completing their final academic project
  • Meal Plan Scholarship – helps ensure access to meals on campus
  • Parking Permit Scholarship – covers the cost of a semester parking permit

For more information on scholarship availability and eligibility, please email ascob@csumb.edu.

Otter Media is a student-run media organization supported by Associated Students. It offers opportunities in broadcasting, live production, music and creative storytelling.

You don’t need prior experience to get involved. Whether you want to be on air, behind the scenes or exploring creative media, Otter Media offers hands-on opportunities to learn and collaborate.

For more information, email ottermedia@csumb.edu.

Associated Students holds elections every spring semester. Elections give you the opportunity to run for a paid leadership position and represent student voices in campus decision making.

Positions include executive roles and other leadership opportunities within Associated Students. Campaign materials, rules, timelines and eligibility requirements are provided each election cycle.

If you’re considering running, it’s important to review the official elections packet, code of elections and Associated Students bylaws. These documents outline deadlines, campaign guidelines and expectations for candidates.

All election materials must be submitted by the stated deadlines, either in person or by email, as instructed during the election period. Missing deadlines or violating guidelines may result in disqualification.

Questions about Associated Students elections can be directed to the Associated Students Elections Commissioner. You can reach the elections team at aselections@csumb.edu for guidance, clarification or support during the process.

Statue of Otter

Get in Touch

Have questions about student programs, services or leadership opportunities? We’re here to help.

Associated Students

Associated Students Senate office hours are Mondays from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Library Room 1180. We also hold virtual office hours on Zoom.

Contact Associated Students

Contact us by email or phone. Or drop by our office!

Natalie Navarro

Associated Students President