Center for Student Life and Leadership Development

College of San Mateo has a vibrant student life, supported through the Center for Student Life & Leadership Development, which provides students the chance to extend their learning outside the classroom. These activities allow students the opportunity to learn and develop skills in leadership, inter-personal communication, advocacy, and event planning.

Through the Associated Students, CSM’s student government, students participate in the governance of the college. Members of student government also develop, promote, and implement programs and services that are of benefit to the general student population. Student clubs and organizations provide students the opportunity to interact with individuals who have shared interests and shared cultural backgrounds. Clubs and organizations also have the opportunity to sponsor campus-wide events and activities.

The Center is also one of the locations on campus where students and the general public are welcome to ask questions about any of the College’s programs and services. The Center also provides services such as on- and off-campus referral services; local transit information, information regarding campus posting; and deals with issues related to on-campus vending machines.

For more information, visit the Center for Student Life & Leadership Development website (Building 17, (650) 574-6141).

Special services provided for students by the Center include:

Student Activities Event Planning
The Student Life and Leadership Development Manager is available to assist campus organizations in the development, planning and approval of special campus programs and events. College policy questions, facilities reservations, security planning, audio visual requests, insurance requirements, health and safety reviews, risk management planning, publicity and other considerations for special events are coordinated through this office.

Student Government & Club Information
Information concerning any aspect of student government, student activities or clubs may be obtained in the Center. This office also provides these groups with duplicating and publicity services.

Referral Services
The Center maintains current referral listings of services available through the College and community agencies. The Center assists students through referrals to the campus Health Services, Personal Counseling & Wellness Services, Child Development Center, and community agencies for such services as legal assistance, family planning, and women’s services.

Transportation Information
Bus and train schedules, maps, and general transportation information is available through the Center.

Campus Posting
All signs, flyers, or similar materials must follow campus policies and instructions regarding campus postings. Copies of these regulations are available in the Center.

Vending Questions
Questions about vending can be directed to the Center.

Associated Students

The Associated Students of College of San Mateo (ASCSM) is the official representative student government organization at College of San Mateo. The Associated Students organization is charged with the responsibility of assessing and meeting student needs and of providing student input into the decision making process of the college. The Student Senate and its committees, the Advocacy Board, the Cultural Awareness Board and the Programming Board, carry out the activities of the organization. The Advocacy Board is primarily concerned with researching legislative bills and advocating on behalf of students. The Cultural Awareness Board plans, organizes, promotes, executes, and evaluates events that educate and promote issues of equity and social justice , and recognize and celebrate the unique diversity of the CSM community. The Programming Board is responsible for all of the cultural, social, and co-curricular events sponsored by the Associated Students. The Inter Club Council (ICC), which is also part of the Associated Students, coordinates and promotes all of the student organizations on campus.

Major elected and appointed officers and representatives of the association are: President, Vice President/Senate Chairperson, Secretary, Finance Director, and Student Senators.

In addition, students are selected by the Student Senate to serve on College and District committees, including Institutional Planning Committees, and District shared governance committees. A complete list of committees is available from the Center for Student Life & Leadership Development.

Further information about the Associated Students can be obtained by contacting current student officers through the Center. Meeting times for Associated Student groups are available through the ASCSM website.

Student Senate
The Student Senate is responsible for the administrative affairs of the association including the monitoring of programs approved by the Student Senate and the representation of the association’s viewpoint in college-wide matters.

The Student Senate is comprised of students elected at-large in an annual campus-wide election.

The Student Senate meets every Monday at 2:15pm in Building 17, Room 146 or via Zoom (contact the Center for Student Life for the Zoom link). The meeting agenda is typically posted Friday morning at the quad side entrance to the Center for Student Life (Building 17, Room 112)

Associated Student Body Card
All students who have completed registration are entitled to a photo ID student body card. Students can obtain the card, typically, starting the week befor the semester begins. This photo identification card entitles you to special discounts from 10% to 40% off at local businesses, movie theaters, shops and restaurants. On-campus discounts are available at the cosmetology salon and all athletic events. The funds collected from the student body fee help support numerous programs and services on campus including: scholarships, emergency student loans, child care, athletics, guest speakers and concerts. If you would like more information about the student body card benefits, or would like the student body fee reimbursed, please contact the Center at (650) 574-6141 before the last day to drop semester-long classes. 

Student Clubs and Organizations

College of San Mateo encourages students to augment their formal education by participating in extracurricular activities and events. Among the opportunities available is the privilege of starting and/or being a member of a formally recognized student club or organization. Each group elects its officers and plans its own program for the semester. The activities of each group depend largely upon the enthusiasm of its membership. Anyone interested in joining or starting a club or organization is welcome to stop by the Center for Student Life & Leadership Development (Building 17, Room 112, (650) 574-6141) for more information. In order to establish a new organization, there must be a minimum of six interested students, an approved faculty/staff advisor, and a constitution that meets college requirements.

Sororities and fraternities and other secret organizations are banned on community college campuses under the Education Code of the State of California.

A list of currently active clubs is available at the Clubs website. 

Student Organizations

The general purpose of all student groups as organized, recognized, and approved under the supervision of the college administration shall be in conformity with the provisions of California Education Code and the educational objectives of the College. All student organizations are subject to the regulations of and derive their authority from the California Education Code, the San Mateo County Community College District Board Policy and its Rules and Regulations, and College Regulations, in that order.

Denial of membership in any organization or of participation in any activity on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or national origin is prohibited. Membership in secret societies is prohibited.

Campus Facility Use by Student Organizations

Students or student organizations interested in using Campus facilities should reach out to Center for Student Life Staff for current processes and procedures.

Off-Campus Organizations

Individuals or groups wishing to make use of College space to exercise their right to free speech may do so in accordance with the Time, Place and Manner of Speech policies outlined in the College Policies section.

Individuals or groups wishing to make use of College space for making retail products or services available are subject to the On-Campus Vendor Policy, available through the Center for Student Life & Leadership Development.

Individuals or groups wishing to make use of College space for events and activities must contact the Facilities Rental Office (College Center Building 10, Room 439; (650) 574-6220) for policies and pricing.