Hello Long Beach State,

Here at Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), the pursuit of accessible education for all students is one of our top priorities. Our students’ intellectual, social and physical development comes first. Here are a few initiatives of which I’d like to make sure you are aware.

Books across the nation are being challenged, ultimately being restricted from students’ general access. However, Beach Shops has stepped forward to combat censorship. Available to all students both in our bookstore and online, you can now freely find a list of socially impactful literature and books that have been banned across the country. For more information about Beach Shops’ Banned and Social Justice oriented books, visit csulb.edu/beachshops.

Long Beach State is preparing for the fall 2024 launch of a digital-first textbook program, similar to equitable access programs being implemented nationally. Optional for all students, this program will enable students to pay a flat fee per semester covering all course material expenses, including textbooks. Those who participate in the program will see significant cost savings, additional access to educational materials, and the convenience of having all content available to them in a digital-first format through Canvas. ASI is excited for how this program will save students money, secure additional accessibility for our students learning and overall contribute to more successful student outcomes. Additionally, we are proud that ASI Senate unanimously approved a resolution in support of this initiative. For more information about this program, visit csulb.edu/equitabletextbookaccess.

While the campus has been working towards providing new and innovative resources, ASI has also been diligently providing programs, services and facilities to support you as well. Your student leaders have been actively working on initiatives and advocating for student needs on- and off-campus. I will be giving the State of the Associated Students address during the ASI Senate meeting on Dec. 6 to provide updates on ASI’s accomplishments and on-going goals. The meeting begins at 3:30 pm in the Farber Senate Chambers and I welcome you to attend.

As we enter the final weeks of the semester, I want to remind you all to take time for yourselves. Whether it’s through rest or connecting with fellow students at ASI’s events, you deserve a well-earned break. Just a few more weeks left and all our incredible work will pay off. We’ve got this!

Mitali Jain

President

Associated Students, Inc.

Long Beach State University