Commencement is one of the most meaningful times of year across the CSU. It’s a celebration of student achievement, persistence, and growth. For students and their families, it marks the culmination of years of hard work.
For APC members, it’s also something more.
After supporting students through so many stages of their CSU experience, graduation becomes a moment we share in as well. It’s not just about the ceremony itself, but about everything that led up to it. Over time, those connections build, and when students reach the finish line, there is a real sense of pride in seeing them succeed.
More Than Just a Milestone
By the time a student walks across the stage, their journey has been shaped by countless interactions, decisions, and moments of support.
Unit 4 employees are part of that process in ways that are both visible and behind the scenes. From helping students understand how to get started, to guiding them through academic requirements, to supporting them during challenges, APC members are often present at key moments throughout the student experience.
What may begin as a simple question or a routine interaction can turn into ongoing support over months or even years. These connections create continuity, helping students stay on track and move forward with confidence.
Hear from Juno L. Chambers, MA, Lead Academic Advisor
SDSU
What does graduation season mean to you as someone who supports CSU students?
“Public education, especially the CSU system, is an investment in educational welfare toward the common good. Seeing students graduate is the culmination of these efforts, a living endowment of sorts that will continue to enrichen the academic and economic structures within our State. I would argue that all Unit 4 employees are involved in the student lifecycle, ensuring persistence and success along the process.
Commencement is always heartfelt moment where I get to see the students that I have supported over their time here. Last year – the Class of 2025 – was a special year for me, since that marked four years in my role, completing a full cycle of students that I have helped from the beginning. It’s rewarding and grounding to participate in Commencement and to see students actualize the goals they have for themselves.”
Every Role Contributes to the Outcome
The work of APC members spans a wide range of roles across CSU campuses.
Some work directly with students every day, providing advising, financial aid guidance, and student support services. Others contribute in ways that are less visible but just as essential, reviewing academic records, evaluating progress, coordinating programs, and ensuring that requirements are met.
While Student Services Professionals support students from preadmission through graduation, Evaluators and Records staff ensure students meet graduation requirements, and Credential Analysts support their transition into professional roles.
Each role contributes to the same outcome. Even when students may not see every step of the process, they are supported by a system of professionals working to help them succeed.
Hear from Ashley Riley, MPH, RN-BSN & Concurrent Enrollment (CEP) Advisor
CSU Fullerton
What does graduation season mean to you as someone who supports CSU students?
Graduation season is one of my favorite times as a Nursing advisor. I have the pleasure of being the advisor for my students from orientation all the way to graduation and the amount of growth, perseverance, critical thinking, and adaptability I witness is truly amazing. I am honored to be their advisor and see all my students excel.
CSUF BSN Alumni Email: “Thank you so much for any time you have used to help me Ashley, it’s always very appreciated. You’ve been one of the only reasons I’ve reached it this far and I’m very grateful for having you here to help guide us through this process.”
Why This Moment Feels Different
For many APC members, commencement is not just another event on the calendar.
It is a moment of reflection.
It is seeing students reach a goal they have been working toward for years. It is recognizing the challenges they have overcome along the way. And it is knowing that, in some way, you were part of that journey.
That sense of connection is what makes graduation feel different. The work that happens day to day may not always feel tied to a single outcome, but commencement brings everything into focus.
In many ways, it can feel like we’re graduating, too.
That feeling is not about recognition. It’s about impact and seeing the results of consistent effort, and knowing that your work matters.
Hear from Lorena Segovia, M.S.Ed, Lead Academic Advisor & Student Advisor
CSUSB
The very essence of our lives is shaped by our environment. A tapestry woven from those who touch, inspire, and ignite the embers of belief within us. I carry with me the guidance I received during my own educational journey, and I try to pay that forward in how I support my students. Being part of their journey, even in a small way, motivates me to keep showing up, keep helping, and keep doing this work.
Graduation is a time of change. It closes one chapter and opens the door to a new one full of possibilities. With destinies yet to be written, my hope for each student is that the tapestry we have so carefully woven together gives them the courage to face the unknown and the strength to overcome any challenges ahead.
A Shared Commitment to Student Success
Across campuses, APC members share a common purpose. Whether working directly with students or supporting the systems that help them move forward, each role contributes to student success in meaningful ways.
Every Step of Student Success Begins with Us.
This message is reflected in the work happening every day across the CSU. It is built through small interactions, thoughtful guidance, and a commitment to helping students reach their goals.
A Shared Celebration
Graduation belongs to students. It should.
But it is also a moment that APC members connect to in a meaningful way. It represents the outcome of work that happens over time, often behind the scenes and across many different roles.
From the first interaction to the final requirement, Unit 4 employees are part of that journey.
When students cross the stage, APC members are not just proud of the students, but also proud of the role they played in helping them reach that moment.
APC recognizes impact members make across the CSU every day. The work they do supports students in meaningful and lasting ways. APC remains committed to advocating for its members and will continue to fight for the respect, support, and working conditions they deserve.