Programs and Resources

If you're a student who is a part of the California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) or Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) programs, our faculty and staff across the campus are here to provide any information you need. We're dedicated to your success!

Plan a visit

The CalWORKs/GAIN Liaison provides support and assistance, so that you may meet compliance requirements with the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services. Your CalWORKs/Gain campus liaison, Melanie Zapata, is available to meet with you to answer questions and assist with paperwork. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to finaid.gain@csun.edu. Make sure your subject line is "Request for GAIN Program appointment".

Before your scheduled visit, please complete the following steps:

• Contact your case worker for a GN 6005 or GN 6006 form or another agency document that'll serve as an appropriate appointment referral.
• Contact your major's department to request an advisement appointment.
• Print out your current class schedule and bring a copy along with your student ID, to your scheduled appointment.

Forms

The following information will assist you in filling out the various forms associated with the CalWORKs/GAIN initiative at CSUN. Please review the instructions for each form carefully.

Student information form

This form is to be used by the CalWORKs/GAIN participant when referred to the CalWORKs/GAIN liaison staff by the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) CalWORKs/GAIN caseworker/director at the referring community college program. Please follow the steps below:

• Download the Student information form
• Complete the student demographic section of the form and take it to your initial contact meeting with the CSUN CalWORKs/GAIN liaison, Melanie Zapata.
• If you are unsure about a response, leave it blank and discuss it with Melanie Zapata during your initial meeting.
• Sign the form and date it in the presence of the CSUN intake staff.
• Take your CSUN student ID to the first meeting.

Book request form

This form is to be used by the CalWORKs/GAIN participant to request a reimbursement for books, fees, and supplies related to your program at CSUN. Please follow the steps below:

• Download the Book request form
• Complete the top portion, and indicate the term of the request (e.g., fall 2017).
• Fill out the top portion of the form.
• Read the instructions and complete the remaining section of the form.
• Sign the form and date it in the presence of the CSUN CalWORKs/GAIN liaison.

In fall 2008, former Cal State Northridge president Joelene Koester implemented the Campus Quality Fee. Funds generated from the fee are used to enhance student learning experiences. To get specific details, read more on fee allocation and accountability, or access a proposal form, visit the Campus Quality Fee website.

Below, please find the 2008 president's letter acknowledging the approval of the Campus Quality Fee.

May 20, 2008

To the Campus Community:

I have reviewed the Campus Quality Fee Report on Alternative Consultation provided by Vice President Terry Piper and Provost Harry Hellenbrand (dated May 7, 2008), and the memo from the Student Fee Advisory Committee (dated May 9, 2008) recommending approval of the Campus Quality Fee.

After careful review and consideration I have approved the proposed fee as described in the Campus Quality Fee proposal. The fee will be effective Fall 2008.

My review includes consideration of feedback from all areas of the University, obtained through forums and other meetings with students, faculty, and staff; online feedback collected through the Campus Quality Fee website; actions such as the Faculty Senate Resolution in support of the Campus Quality Fee proposal; and other submitted input.

The Campus Quality Fee will enhance the learning experiences of students on campus. The implementation of the Campus Quality Fee will provide for:

• the elimination of course-specific fees;
• funding to maintain currency in technology;
• more funding for instructionally related activities (contingent upon conversations with Associated Students);
• increased availability of student support services; and
• stabilized and appropriate funding for intercollegiate athletics.

As noted by members of the campus community, implementation of the Campus Quality Fee necessitates ongoing consultation and a mechanism for accountability. Consultation will proceed through the campus governance structure in tandem with the campus planning and budgeting process. An annual accountability report of receipts and expenditures will be provided to the Student Fee Advisory Committee, with copies to the Educational Resources Committee and to the University Planning and Budget Group.

We are beginning now to develop a plan to implement the fee and its positive consequences for the quality of the student experience here at California State University, Northridge.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this campus-wide consultation.

Jolene Koester
President

A large urban university with more than 30,000 students can seem overwhelming. Where do you fit in, and how will you make friends? Where do you go for a sense of community and belonging?

The Division of Student Affairs encourages you to broaden the classroom experience and take advantage of the many opportunities that can make college life meaningful and memorable. The links below will get you going in the right direction, but think of these resources as a starting point in your storied journey at CSUN.

CSUN is proud to provide instructional strategies that give you the physical, social, emotional and intellectual support needed for success. There is always someone to help along the way, as long as you’re willing to ask. To get started, follow the links below.