Involvement Opportunities
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Campus life does not have to be a one-way street of classes, exams, and papers. UCSB offers opportunities to become involved in almost every area of interest imaginable. Forks in the road lead in many directions: academic, cultural/ethnic, professional, political, religious, service, recreational, and more! Getting involved in an organization or group is an excellent way to meet people and gain a sense of belonging on campus.
Associated Students (A.S.)
All undergraduates belong to Associated Students (the official student government at UCSB) through payment of required quarterly registration fees. As a member of A.S., you have the opportunity to become involved in the political, educational, and social environment of campus. You may serve on various A.S. and University committees, run for elected office, or work for one of the many A.S.-sponsored services. A.S. Main Office, UCen 1523; 893-2566; http://www.as.ucsb.edu.
A.S. Community Affairs Board
The Community Affairs Board (CAB) is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of all UCSB students by providing easy access to volunteer work. CAB seeks to augment classroom experiences, create opportunities for career exploration, and promote public service in the surrounding communities. Volunteers have the option of choosing a one-time, short-term, or on-going position from over 400 non-profit agencies. There are positions in every area you can imagine. Opportunities are available in professional fields such as law, health/medical, counseling, advertising/publicity, or you may want a position working with senior citizens, youth, animals, in special education, or even on the environment. CAB also provides leadership opportunities for students on the Board. Participate in or head a committee: CAB Foundation, Family Literacy Program, Outreach, or Public Relations. Help coordinate a special project, or create one of your own. CAB Foundation also provides seed money to student groups looking to develop their own community service programs. Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; UCen 2523; 893-4296.
A.S. Program Board (ASPB)
A.S. Program Board is a student-funded and run organization dedicated to producing and supporting a diverse schedule of events for the UCSB campus and surrounding community. The twelve student coordinators (along with their committees) sponsor a range of activities from large concerts to lectures and films. ASPB gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences in planning and producing campus activities and entertainment. ASPB also provides students with many employment opportunities. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; UCen 1519; 893-3536.
Community Service Organization (CSO)
CSO officers are part-time student employees of the Campus Police Department who provide general public assistance and security services to the campus community. CSO officers operate an escort service year round on campus and in Isla Vista. This service is provided for students traveling either on bicycle or by foot. CSO officers also patrol campus buildings and grounds, take stolen bike reports, respond to campus emergencies, and provide security for residence halls and off-campus University housing. In addition, CSO officers run the Bicycle Education and Safety Program at UCSB. Public Safety Bldg.: 893-2433 or 893-5293; escort service: 893-2000.
Daily Nexus & La Cumbre Yearbook
The yearbook (La Cumbre), and newspaper (Daily Nexus) are always seeking interested individuals to help; some positions are paid. The offices are located together beneath Storke Tower. Students who want to get involved can call or drop by. Storke Communications Building; Daily Nexus: 893-3828; La Cumbre: 893-2386.
Education Abroad Program (EAP)
EAP is an outstanding academic overseas study program which will involve 150 host institutions in 34 countries worldwide in 2006-08. EAP offers participating students a chance to remain registered at their home campuses while studying abroad. More than 4,000 UC students go abroad on EAP each year. Students receive UC academic credit and financial aid (if eligible). Interested students should visit the EAP office early to learn which language and academic qualifications are required. Office hours: Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, 10am-12noon and 1pm-4pm and Fri 10am-12noon; South Hall 2431; 893-3763; or email to eapucsb@eap.ucsb.edu.
Food Cupboard Volunteer Opportunities
Catholic Charities distributes food to the poor families and homeless of Isla Vista on Thursdays. Each week over 50 families and individuals receive assistance. Volunteers are needed to help distribute food, organize and stock donations, and help collect intake information on clients. For more information or to volunteer, call Catholic Charities at 965-7045x111.
Fraternities and Sororities
Greek membership has been an important aspect of student life at the University of California, Santa Barbara for over 50 years. Currently, fraternities and sororities represent more than 2,800 undergraduates, and its members are involved in countless University activities. Membership in a fraternity or sorority can offer experiences that cannot be taught in any classroom. All of them provide opportunities for leadership, scholarship and community service, as well as social and athletic programs. Recruitment programs are usually held in early Fall Quarter; those interested should contact the Director of Greek Affairs at 893-4569 or browse the website at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl
Gaucho Locos
Get addicted to Gaucho sports. Join UCSB's student fan club, the Gaucho Locos. The Gaucho Locos program is an incentive program for students to attend UCSB sporting events. The more events you attend, the more free prizes you get. Free grub, laundry, movie rentals, and of course the World Famous Bright Yellow Stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb Gaucho Locos T-shirt are just some of the prizes. And if you complete the program, you are invited to the exclusive Gaucho Locos year-end function. Not to mention, the Gaucho Locos are the lords of loud at the Thunderdome. They sit in the Gaucho Locos section, all of them donning their gaudy yellow shirts, and they make life absolutely miserable for the opposing team. Constantly cheering, dancing, and chanting, the Gaucho Locos have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Students can join Gaucho Locos when attending UCSB athletic events. Call 893-8380 for more information or go to the website at: www.gaucholocos.com.
Honor Societies and Academic Unions
Honor societies such as Alpha Lambda Delta (freshman honor society), Mortar Board (senior honor society), and Golden Key (junior and senior honor society) meet regularly and provide members with a chance to interact with faculty, the community, and other students. Several individual departments also have honor societies and academic unions for their majors, which often sponsor social and academic events. Inquire in department offices or at the Office of Student Life; SRB; 893-4550 or visit the website at: www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl.
Internship Program
The Internship Program of Career Services offers career-related, part-time local and summer national and international internship positions to juniors and seniors of all majors. Some positions are paid, but most are volunteer; the reward is in the valuable experience. For more information attend an internship workshop at Career Services or call 893-4411. You can also visit our website at http://career.ucsb.edu/students/internships/index.html.
Intramurals, Sport Clubs and Open Recreation
If you are interested in trying new sports such as innertube water polo or ultimate frisbee or prefer continuing with a favorite pastime such as basketball or lacrosse, then Recreational Sports has something for you. Interest, not skill, is the prerequisite for participation. Offerings include league play, weekend tournaments, Sport Clubs and "drop in" recreation. Come recreate with one of the most popular student service programs on campus! RecCen Room 1110; 893-3253.
Isla Vista Children's Center
The I.V. Children's Center provides child care and development services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (children 3 months through 6 years). The Center offers a special ESL program, low fees, scholarships, and hot lunches. Hours: Mon-Fri, 6:45am-5:45pm. 892 Camino del Sur, Isla Vista; 968-0488. Email: IVyouth@aol.com.
Isla Vista Recreation and Park District Adopt-A-Block Program
As a volunteer in the Adopt-A-Block program, you can adopt a block and sign up to clean it once a week. Volunteer hours are flexible-between 9am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. In appreciation, you will receive a coupon from a local business sponsor for free goods or services.
Contact the Street Sweeping Supervisor at 968-2017, or email cleaniv@ivparks.org. Together we can clean up the streets of Isla Vista, and help our environment.
Isla Vista Youth Projects
The I.V. Youth Projects offer after-school and summer recreation programs for children ages six to twelve. Held on-site at the Isla Vista School, involvement opportunities include Isla Vista Buddies, Tutorials and Homework Assistance programs. 892 Camino del Sur, Isla Vista; phone: 968-0488; email: IVyouth@aol.com.
Isla Vista/UCSB Community Liaison
Housed at Embarcadero Hall are the offices of the UCSB Community Liaison, the Director of the Isla Vista Alcohol and Other Drug Council, Early Academic Outreach Services, and classrooms and tutorial space for the Campus Learning Assistance Services. The UCSB Community Liaison office offers services and opportunities for all residents of Isla Vista to participate in community affairs. The office also plays host to art exhibitions, workshops, and meetings to address community issues and problems. 935 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista; 968-4979.
KCSB Radio
KCSB is a campus and community, non-commercial radio station that broadcasts programming that you will not hear anywhere else in the Tri-Counties area. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, KCSB transmits on 91.9 FM to a broadcast area stretching from San Luis Obispo to Thousand Oaks, bringing its audience eclectic programming that ranges from jazz to underground hip-hop to experimental electronica, from incisive public affairs to news and sports. KCSB is a volunteer station with close to 200 students and community members on staff. KCSB's sister station, KJUC, broadcasts to UCSB residence halls on 770 and 880 AM and gives new programmers a chance to get started right away in the world of radio. Everyone is encouraged to get involved (no experience necessary). Located at the base of Storke Tower. KCSB-FM, 893-3757; KCSB Request Line: 893-2424; News/Sports: 893-2426; KJUC Request Line: 893-2425. KCSB's website, featuring a 24-hour live webcast: www.kcsb.org.
Leadership Certificate Program
The Division of Student Affairs has developed a co-curricular program for UCSB students to develop into future leaders with integrity and dedication to their respective career interests. The Leadership Certificate Program (LCP) formally recognizes co-curricular student leadership and also provides opportunities for students to develop and hone their leadership skills. The LCP is designed to value a diversity of styles as well as to develop awareness and understanding of various leadership approaches, styles and attitudes. To earn the Leadership Certificate, students must complete four program components: 1) Pass six academic courses (from a predetermined list); 2) Complete five educational workshops; 3) Participate in a leadership role; and 4) Complete an 8-10 page reflection paper prior to graduation. For more information or to enroll, visit http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/LeadershipDevelopment/lcp/Index.asp?page=lcp or call the Office of Student Life at (805) 893-4569.
Office of Student Life
The Office of Student Life provides a staff trained to address a wide variety of needs and concerns that students encounter while enrolled at UCSB. Services include general assistance in problem solving and referrals, dealing with personal emergencies and processing letters of recommendation and administrative withdrawals. Many co-curricular activities and educational programs are planned and scheduled. The staff assists organizations with leadership training and development, program planning, fund raising, trustee accounts, publicity and promotion and special projects. The Office of Student Life posts an on-line Campus Organizations Directory which lists the statement of purpose and contact persons for over 250 campus organizations (www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl). If you don't find an organization that interests you, OSL can help you start one. The protection of scholastic integrity and the prevention of academic dishonesty are fundamental to the mission of the Office of Student Life; the office also provides education about and enforcement of general campus regulations including various forms of discriminatory harassment. Interaction is fostered among students, campus organizations, the University and the local community. Student Resource Building; 893-4550.
Every October, OSL and Orientation Programs co-sponsor the Activities Faire in Storke Plaza with over 130 groups providing information about their activities.
Orientation Programs
Orientation Programs is looking for highly motivated individuals who are interested in working closely with new students and their parents during Summer Orientation. Staff members have the unique opportunity to serve as the first point of personal contact for most of the students who will enter UCSB each year. Students on the staff develop professional skills in leadership, public speaking, organization, academic advising, public relations, and issues awareness. Applications are due early in January. Orientation Programs is committed to hiring a diverse staff which represents the range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences of the UCSB student population. The staff works April through August. Student Resource Building, 2nd floor; 893-3443.
Peer Programs
There are a variety of peer positions available at UCSB for students interested in gaining valuable experience while helping other students. Peer advising opportunities are available in many majors (check your department), as well as in the Colleges of Letters & Science and Engineering. Other programs with peer positions include Student Health, Counseling Services, Career Services, Rape Prevention Education Program, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), CLAS, Orientation Programs, Office of Student Life, Residence Halls Association, Women's Center and Associated Students. For information, contact these offices or contact Career Services for a complete listing; 893-4411; http://career.ucsb.edu.
Residence Halls Association (RHA)
All students who live in University-owned on-campus residence halls are members of RHA through payment of a yearly Residence Halls activity fee. RHA is the student governing body of the residence halls and also sponsors social, educational, and multicultural programming on campus. RHA gives students the chance to get involved on the campus, residence hall, or individual hall level. Elections for RHA Executive Council are held in spring and elections for Hall Council positions are held fall quarter. The RHA Main Office is located in the lobby of San Nicolas Residence Hall; 893-4877. You may also visit their web site at: rha.housing.ucsb.edu.
Students Stopping Rape
Sexual assault and dating abuse are, unfortunately, realities on every college campus. Chances are you will be affected somehow by these problems while you are here. You will probably know someone it has happened to or possibly experience it yourself. Students Stopping Rape is a group of women and men students who work to eliminate sexual violence in the UCSB community. As peer educators in the Rape Prevention Education Program, these students are trained to facilitate discussions about sex, sexism, communication, safety, self-defense, how to help a friend and how to change the culture that promotes this type violence. They provide programs in residence halls, classrooms, clubs, sororities and fraternities. They also work on special projects such as media campaigns and bringing in speakers. The group meets every Wednesday at the Women's Center at 5:00pm. For more information, contact the RPEP at the Women's Center, SRB, 893-3778.
Men Against Rape
Most sexual assaults are perpetrated by men against women, so sexual assault is definitely not just a women's issue. UCSB's Men Against Rape recognizes this fact and works toward increasing education and understanding about sexual assault among men on the UCSB campus. The all male group works through the campus Rape Prevention Education Program and provides workshops and discussions about ways in which men can work towards eliminating violence against women. The group meets every Thursday in the Women's Center at 6pm. For more information, contact the RPEP at the Women's Center, SRB, 893-3778.
Tour Guides (Gaucho Guides)
Share your pride in UCSB by becoming a Gaucho Guide. As an official representative of UCSB you can give campus tours to prospective students and their parents. For details contact the Visitor Center at 893-2487.
UCSB Cheer Squad
The UCSB Cheer Squad is open to students with high school cheer and/or gymnastics experience. Interested male and female students are encouraged to try-out. UCSB looks for a variety of cheer skills including stunting, tumbling, and dance. The Squad works with the UCSB Men's and Women's Basketball teams and the Men's Soccer team, as well as represents the University at a variety of promotional events including the Big West and NCAA Basketball Tournaments. The Squad also competes at a number of local competitions as well as nationals in Las Vegas each year. Cheer Squad try-outs are held in May for the following season. For more information, call 893-5372 or email ucsbcheer@hotmail.com.
UCSB Pep Band
The UCSB Pep Band offers a unique opportunity for students with musical skills to strut their stuff and support the UCSB Basketball program. Players of all instruments are invited to join the band, as long as you are willing to play loud and cheer loud. The band plays all home basketball games, the Big West and NCAA Basketball Tournaments, as well as other select events. The Pep Band begins practice in September and is open to all students. Call 893-5372 for more information.
UCSB Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at UC Santa Barbara provides admissions presentations, campus tours and transfer advising sessions for over 38,000 guests each year.
University Center (UCen)
The University Center features eight dining facilities, UCSB Bookstore, Kinko's Copy & Technology Center, meeting rooms, Community Housing Office, Associated Students, Graduate Students Association, MultiCultural Center with theater, video arcade, post office, check cashing agency, travel agency, and two computer lounges with a total of 20 NetPlus workstations. The UCen is also a good source of student employment. Information, 893-2464.
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