Student Involvement

Every university hopes to provide its students with the opportunity to explore issues and become involved in a wide range of activities. While the “university” experience is traditionally associated with academics, part of what a student experiences during college is only marginally related to books and exams. UCSB offers a number of ways for students to learn and challenge themselves by meeting new people, learning more about the University community and learning more about themselves. A great number of opportunities exist at UCSB that allow students to become involved both on campus and in the community.

Exploring Opportunities

The Activities Faire, held annually at the beginning of fall quarter, provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore all areas of student involvement offered at UCSB. In addition, the Office of Student Life (OSL) is an excellent resource. Students are welcome to visit the OSL for information about joining a campus organization or starting their own. The OSL is located in the Student Resource Building (SRB) on the 2nd Floor. Information is also available on the web at www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl, offering a list of all current clubs as well as meeting times and locations.

Student Government

Students living in the university-owned residence halls can get involved immediately by campaigning for a Hall Council position in their own residence hall. This student-run governing body includes two co-presidents, one recorder, one treasurer, an environmental awareness programming chair, activities chair, athletics chair, NRHA/OTM chair, diversity chair, and webmaster for each residence hall. Elections take place right after Discovery Days, and positions are held for the academic year. Tropicana Gardens and Fontainebleu have similar involvement opportunities. In spring quarter, there are elections for Associated Students (AS), the campus government and voice of the student body. Student participation is the key to this representative form of government; both elected and volunteer positions are available.

Leadership Development at UCSB

UC Santa Barbara’s meteoric rise to distinction is a phenomenal success story in modern higher education. UCSB has received many well-deserved accolades including being named the #2 public research university in the United States, admission to the prestigious American Association of Universities (A.A.U.), and the awarding of five Nobel Prizes to members of the faculty. Our students are very intelligent and highly motivated—they are destined to serve as future leaders, both professionally and personally. It is for this reason that the faculty and staff at UCSB are committed to providing leadership education and opportunities to all students. To this end, several different types of programs have been created to help students develop academic, personal, and social skills necessary for college and professional success. All UCSB students are encouraged to learn about the many options available to them and to select the options which best suits their needs and interests.

Leadership Certificate Program

The Division of Student Affairs has created a co-curricular program for UCSB students to develop into future leaders with integrity and dedication to their respective interests. This program is offered through the University Leadership Certificate Program (LCP) which formally recognizes co-curricular student leadership. 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. The program will: introduce students to the theories and concepts of leadership; enhance student leadership skills; develop awareness of major social issues confronting our global community and leaders; enhance student’s academic experience without impeding regular progress toward the degree; and acknowledge the involvement and dedication of student leaders.
The program has four components described below:

1. Pass six Academic Courses (from a predetermined list of options)
2. Complete five Educational Workshops
3. Participate in a Leadership Role or Roles totaling 9 months
4. Complete an 8-10 page Reflection Paper prior to graduation

Interested students can apply by visiting the Office of Student Life or visiting www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/ and clicking on "leadership development".

Leadership Training

In addition to a college degree, the #1 quality that employers look for is leadership training. Each quarter, UCSB hosts a wide range of lectures, workshops and events that provide leadership training to students. From current events to global topics to skill enhancement to personal reflection, students will find ample opportunities to gain hands-on leadership training. The Office of Student Life publishes a quarterly calendar of leadership events. Check it out at www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl and click on"leadership development."

Annual Student Leader Retreat (Fall)

Each fall, nearly 100 student leaders will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive 2-day retreat where they: develop and enhance their leadership abilities; learn and develop new skills necessary for successful leadership; practice skills with hands-on activities and situations; network with other student leaders and organizations; and have a great time at a beautiful mountain retreat site. During Spring, each registered student organization and campus department is contacted to nominate one (1) person to participate in this retreat. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life, (805) 893-4569.

Annual Student Leader Expo!

(February)

Each year, UCSB hosts the Annual Student Leadership Expo! This conference is designed to provide students with the information and skills necessary to becoming successful leaders. A wide variety of workshops and presentations focus on personal development, organizational development, and community building. The workshops are designed to cultivate strong students for the betterment of both the University and surrounding community. In the past, the conference has attracted over 600 Southern California college students from diverse backgrounds and is designed for all students, regardless of their leadership experience. This event is free to UCSB students and also includes refreshments and prizes. For more information about the event, contact the Office of Student Life at (805) 893-4569 or visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl and clicking on "leadership development."

Clubs & Organizations

Co-curricular activities serve an important role in the quality of life at UCSB. Clubs and organizations offer opportunities to meet new people, develop leadership opportunities/skills, integrate course work with practical experiences, and gain a well-rounded education. There are over 300 active organizations at UCSB in the areas of academic, career, community service, cultural, ethnic, Greek life, ideological, political, recreational, religious, social, and special interest. If you would like more information regarding campus organizations, please visit the Office of Student Life, located in the Student Resource Building, room 2260, (805) 893-4550; http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/orgs/ or attend the Annual Activities Faire in October, held in Storke Plaza.

Community Affairs Board (CAB)

This is a volunteer organization which sponsors such community programs as Best Buddies and the Special Olympics. CAB acts as a liaison between the campus and the community and helps recruit volunteers to work with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. CAB is located in the University Center and is the largest student-run volunteer organization in the U.S. For information call (805) 893-4296.

Greek Life

At UCSB, Greek life provides social, educational and community involvement opportunities to the members of 35 fraternities and sororities. Among them are chapters representing a range of interests including historically Black chapters and multicultural chapters. Approximately 10% of the UCSB student body is involved in Greek life. Membership in a fraternity or sorority can offer students a learning experience outside the classroom. Many fraternities and sororities provide small group living environments, and all offer opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and community service projects, as well as social and athletic programs. Formal periods of recruitment take place early fall and spring quarters. Greek Affairs is located in the Student Resource Building, in Room 1104. For more information, please call (805) 893-4569 or visit the website: www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl.

Media/Journalism Opportunities

Students wishing to gain experience in the area of communications will find opportunities available to work for the Daily Nexus student newspaper, campus radio station KCSB, the La Cumbre yearbook, and other literary journals and newsletters.

Physical Activities/Intercollegiate Sports

UCSB’s physical activities program is designed to meet the needs of students with differing levels of interest and ability. The extensive opportunities include Intramurals, Club Sports, Outdoor Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics. These programs provide opportunities for involvement that help students to relax, have fun, meet people and stay physically fit. UCSB has an extensive athletic program.

Intercollegiate teams include baseball and golf for men; softball for women; and men’s and women’s teams in basketball, track, cross country, tennis, water polo, swimming, soccer and volleyball. For more information call (805) 893-3291.

Register to Vote

UCSB provides students with several options for registering to vote. Voter registration forms are available at various campus locations including the Student Resource Building Information Center and numerous sites around campus or may be requested on-line at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm or by calling 1-800-345-VOTE. Students need to reregister to vote if he/she has moved, changed names or wishes to change party affiliation. For further information on registration and voting, visit the UCSB Voter Registration Web site at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/voterreg/ or contact the Office of Student Life at (805) 893-7884.

Theater & Dance

In a typical year, the department of Theater and Dance produces five main stage productions and two modern dance concerts. The productions represent the various periods and styles taught in the academic programs, ranging from the classics to contemporary dramas and comedies and an occasional musical. Additionally, the department offers graduate and undergraduate directed one-act plays, a presentation of new works and dance studio presentations. Any registered student may audition for any production. For more information, contact the Theater and Dance office at (805) 893-3241.