Meet the Journalism Department Student Advisory Board

When it comes to representing the voices of SF State journalism students, the members of the Student Advisory Board have them covered.

The Student Advisory Board advises the Journalism Department chair and faculty, providing student input on a range of issues, from curriculum and student publications to events and student clubs.

Twice a month, members of the board attend faculty meetings to give the student perspective on issues, as well as offer suggestions on how the Journalism Department can improve. Members also speak to prospective and new students at welcome and orientation events.

Meet the members of this semester's Student Advisory Board:

Cash Martinez is a sophomore majoring in print/online journalism with a minor in queer ethnic studies. Martinez has served on the board since September 2020 and says he really enjoys being a part of it.

"I think [the Student Advisory Board] is a vital part of being able to speak out for the journalism student body," Martinez said.

Albert Serna Jr. is a junior majoring in print/online journalism with a minor in queer ethnic studies. Before transferring to SF State, Serna attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Serna has served on the board since January 2021 and says he doesn't take his role as a member lightly.

"I've been dreaming about attending San Francisco State in the journalism program for years," Serna said. "Now that I'm here, I get to be a part of something that helps other students like myself; it is a big deal to me."

Nicolas Cholula is a junior majoring in photojournalism with a minor in earth sciences. Cholula attended Ventura College in Ventura, California before transferring to SF State. He has served on the board since September 2020.

"I feel like [the Student Advisory Board] is very inclusive," Cholula said. "There has never been a time where we felt like we couldn't talk and it helps me understand what the professors are going through."

Students are nominated to the Student Advisory Board by their professors at the beginning of each semester.