Signs Calling 'Dibs' Pop Up on Campus
By Christine Vaughan
Nearly 60 signs calling “dibs” have popped up around campus as part of a playful employee giving campaign where faculty and staff have temporarily named a campus landmark and, in doing so, eliminated a funding gap for a vital student resource.
While employee bragging rights are included, the campaign brings attention to a greater issue: the Student Emergency Fund. All donations to the effort supported the Student Emergency Fund, which is managed by Associated Students, Inc., and helps lessen the burden for students experiencing unexpected and urgent financial needs.
Last year, there was a 20 percent funding gap; students experiencing financial hardship (and who met the eligibility requirements) requested a combined $16,600 from the Student Emergency Fund, of which only $13,400 could be funded due to limited resources. Dibs has eliminated, and surpassed that gap, raising $3,875 for the fund.
While the campaign concept isn’t new to university campuses – it’s modeled after CSU Northridge’s “15 Days of Fame” – Dibs takes on a fun twist that is unique to the CSUSM culture. Every year, the fall employee giving campaign raises funds for various University initiatives. But the focus isn’t solely set on a dollar goal; instead, the campaign emphasizes growing a culture of philanthropy among employees.
Dibs did just that. For nearly a quarter of the employees calling “dibs,” this was their first donation to the University, including Hunter Chanove ’16, a marketing specialist for the University Student Union.
“Dibs is such a creative and innovative way to be part of something bigger at CSUSM,” said Chanove, who claimed “dibs” and named the USU Ballroom. “I get to help alleviate a financial burden for students experiencing crisis, and for me, that’s exactly what being Forward Together means.”
Dibs signs will be posted around campus through Oct. 15.
Media Contact
Christine Vaughan, Creative Communications Officer
cvaughan@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-4409