“Shiva is practically the second to EOP. She is well grounded on the roots of what this program means. This program has left its mark here since CSUN was Valley State and was in a State of oppression.
She knows this program better than anyone. You can’t expect anyone else to do a better job.”
– Orion Alvarado
Hello Everyone,
I want to take this moment right now to share my sincere support through writing down my thoughts, and feelings to my EOP community classmates, administrators, and faculties.
As a former commuter bridge student, I must show my support in some way for Shiva Parsa, and to all of my EOP CSUN classmates, and administrators. Shiva knows what my needs were: words of encouragement, moral support, and selfless care for me was exactly what I needed. Aside from my family whose also so supportive of me towards my education. Shiva knew what my needs were during my academic struggles, and she also saw my potential when I did not see my own potential.
Shiva has definitely proven her sincerity from her heart, and soul that her students means everything to her by continuing to be there for her students physically, and spiritually no matter what circumstance.
I feel that if I don’t share my sincere heartfelt support by doing something, even if it means sending my thoughts through via email, I have completely fail our beloved Jose Luis Vargas, and Shiva Parsa. I will be a disappointment in so many levels. I will no longer call myself an EOP student, if I do not speak up to stand by Shiva Parsa to be our interim Director. I will, and forever stand up for Shiva Parsa.
Please take this email into consideration.
Respectfully,
Nicole
Recap of the passionate march to CSUN’s University Hall. About 100 EOP students and the Student of Color Coalition demanding appointment of Shiva as EOP Interim Director.
Write your statements of support and submit to: info@csuneopsa.org. We will post on the community forum.
The EOP Student Association (EOP SA) at California State University, Northridge promotes student involvement through leadership opportunities, events and programs to increase social awareness.
This student-run organization focuses on providing a more enriching and enjoyable undergraduate experience.
If you are interested in joining or would like more information about the organization, please contact CSUN EOP SA at: info@csuneopsa.org
Student of Color Coalition (SCC) Petition Purpose:
As you may know, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) recently was faced with the passing of our school’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) director, Jose Luis Vargas, leaving his position vacant and vulnerable. Students, Alumni, Faculty/Staff, and other community members believed Shiva Parsa, would take on the position, but as of right now there has been no mention of her as a possible candidate. Instead, the University’s administration has already created a search committee to fill the position, but there has been no promise of candidacy for Shiva.Jose Luis Vargas had a profound impact on the success of CSUN’s EOP, and gave our campus the ability to claim our diverse student body. Shiva, the most qualified individual has worked closely with EOP students and has been expertly trained by JLV for twenty-six years. She has earned the love and loyalty of not only members of the Students of Color Coalition (SCC) but of the communities and professionals that have history with EOP as well. CSUN’s EOP is the most successful EOP on any CSU campus; assigning a caring and experienced Director is vital! Shiva Parsa was personally recommended, and trained by JLV to carry out his legacy. Unfortunately, Shiva has not yet been considered, putting the program’s fate, and its STUDENT’S SUCCESS, in a vulnerable state.SCC requests that CSUN administration appoint Shiva Parsa Director of EOP. Immediately or no later than May, 2nd 2016.
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) emerged from the Civil Rights movement of the late 1960s as a response to the call for access and equity to higher education.
As a result of this hard fought, student-led campaign, there is now an EOP at 23 California State University campuses. This program continues to provide access and various support services for students from first generation, historically low-income, disadvantaged backgrounds. Through its commitment to providing access and innovative support services to thousands of underrepresented students each year, EOP remains a critical component of the California State University system.
On March 19, our friend, colleague and mentor, José Luis Vargas passed away. Mr. Vargas dedicated most of his life to giving back to EOP and CSUN. He was so proud to be a product of EOP. As a college student, he quickly became an advocate for our community and never forgot his mission. He led EOP with passion, conviction, and professionalism. He mentored thousands of students and uplifted them to believe in themselves to succeed in higher education and achieve their goals.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CSUN Foundation to support the José Luis Vargas Scholarship. Contributions to this scholarship can be made at givenow.csun.edu or by sending a check to: Jose Luis Vargas Scholarship, CSUN Foundation, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8296. For more information, please contact CSUN Foundation at (818) 677-4657.
For parking information, please visit: www.csun.edu/eop/joseluisvargasmemorial