Staff Q and A: Student Organizations and RunnerSync Coordinator Ed Webb

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 17^th, 2024

How long have you worked at CSUB?

I started my position as student organizations and RunnerSync coordinator eight years ago. But I was a student assistant with many of the same responsibilities for two years before that.

What is your role on campus and what does it entail?

I oversee the annual club chartering process and verify clubs and officers follow CSU and CSUB requirements. I maintain the Runner Source Student Organizations Handbook and the RunnerSync organization management software. I help clubs organize events, request funding and navigate university policies and procedures. About two years ago, I was given the additional responsibility of scheduling events in the Student Union through 25Live. I help clubs with events, regardless of where they happen on campus, and I help anyone using the Student Union facilities, regardless of their affiliation.

What initially intrigued you about CSUB and this role specifically?

In 2010, I was looking for a job in community management. Every job I wanted required a four-year degree, so I came to CSUB to complete my degree. I received my bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in public administration. I also started a club that was very active, so I learned a lot about student involvement opportunities. After graduation, I was offered the chance to share what I’d learned with all student organizations. In a way, I did find a position in community management, with a twist.

How can students get involved in clubs and other campus organizations, if they don’t know where to start?

Students can visit our webpage at csub.edu/studentorg. There is a list of club resources on the left side of the screen. The first link takes them to RunnerSync, where all clubs (and some departments) have their own pages. Students can search by keywords or categories of interest like “medical” or “advocacy." The second link takes them to the Club Registration Form, where students can start, renew or reactivate a club. Clubs are required to have at least five student members at all times, including a president and a treasurer, as well as a faculty or staff adviser. They also need a constitution, and we have a CSU-approved template that clubs can use as a starting point. It is possible to create a club in a single day.

Were you involved in any clubs when you were in college? If so, how did it impact your college experience?

I was very active in clubs in high school and I did well in school. I went straight into college, but I was afraid of overextending myself, so I didn’t get involved in any clubs or campus activities. I didn’t feel connected to the college so, when times were tough and with no support system, it was easy to bail. When I came to CSUB, I immediately joined a club. Many of those club members from 13 years ago are still my friends today. I really do feel like club involvement made all the difference for me.

Why do you think it’s so important for students to get connected with clubs and organizations? How does it play into the overall idea of student life?

I believe students get five important things out of club involvement: a support system, leadership skills, transferable skills, experience and the opportunity to create the memories they’ll tell their kids and grandkids about someday.

How do you think the student life aspect plays into overall student success?

I think that goes back to the support system. It’s easy to feel disconnected when you’re one of 10,000 students. Clubs provide an opportunity for students to find other students with similar interests. But they can also connect with faculty, staff, administrators and members of the community. Involvement creates a sense of belonging and self-confidence that applies to all of college life.

What do you wish more people knew about the clubs on campus and the community that has been built over the years?

Clubs are started by students. Students decide what goes into the constitutions, what happens at meetings, what events they will coordinate and how they engage with the campus community. Advisers advise but the students make the decisions. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen an enormous increase in collaboration between clubs that has resulted in bigger and better events on campus. It’s amazing to see students support other students, and even more amazing to be part of it.

What do you love most about the CSUB community?

When I went to Fresno State, I couldn’t even tell you the name of the university president. Within a month of starting a club at CSUB, President Mitchell knew MY name. As students, Hilda Nieblas and I organized events that raised money for our local children’s hospital. Bakersfield Memorial Hospital named CSUB its “Corporate Partner of the Year” and President Mitchell accepted the award on our behalf. That’s huge! Clubs did that! And President Zelezny held monthly Walk-and-Talk events where students can just walk around campus with her and ask questions or make suggestions. The CSUB community is interested in what you’re doing, will support you when they can and celebrate your successes with you.

What have you loved most about your role at the university?

I love that I get to work with students face-to-face. I get to help them make their ideas become reality. I get to see the amazing things they’ve done on- and off-campus. I get to recognize and celebrate them. With almost 100 unique clubs and thousands of unique students, there’s something different every day.

Is there anything else you’d like to add or think people should know?

YES. College exists for more than preparing you for employment. Do something while you’re here that will improve your quality of life beyond college, expose you to something (or someone) new, or build lifelong memories. Also, never, ever start a sentence with “Sorry to bother you.” You are the only reason we are here, and you are never a bother. Ruby Alvarez, R’Leesha Gooden-Fair and I love to talk to students. You can reach us at GetInvolved@csub.edu or stop by our offices behind the front desk in the Student Union.