Student Councils
Student-governed. Ethically driven.
SOMeCA is home to six student-initiated governance councils that offer students hands-on leadership experience, democratic decision-making, and opportunities to serve the UC Santa Cruz community. Each council develops educational initiatives, practices ethical and transparent budgeting, and empowers students to lead with purpose and integrity.
Guided by the Principles of Democratic Budgeting—accountability, transparency, deliberation, selflessness, and vision—these councils are responsible for the ethical allocation of student fees and the creation of inclusive, student-driven change.
Cultural Arts & Diversity (CAD) Board of Directors
The CAD Board of Directors supports student organizations that center cultural identity, artistic expression, and social justice. Funded by the Cultural Arts and Diversity Fee, the council empowers students to produce performances, festivals, and community events that celebrate and uplift underrepresented voices at UC Santa Cruz.
Rooted in creative activism, CAD Council offers hands-on experience in leadership, democratic budgeting, and event planning. Each year, students organize high-impact programs that draw thousands of participants, fostering connection, dialogue, and a deeper sense of belonging across campus.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact CAD Board of Directors at cadrc@ucsc.edu
Campus Sustainability Council (CSC)
The Campus Sustainability Council supports student organizations working to advance environmental and social sustainability at UC Santa Cruz. Funded by the Sustainability Fee, the council allocates resources to projects that promote climate justice, ecological resilience, and systems change.
CSC is entirely student-led, offering experience in participatory budgeting, grantmaking, and collaborative leadership. Through funding and advocacy, the council helps build a more just and sustainable future—on campus and beyond.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact CSC at csc@ucsc.edu
engaging education (e²) Board of Directors
The e² Board supports student-led initiatives that expand and enrich the educational experience at UC Santa Cruz. From academic conferences and guest speakers to skill-building workshops and research events, e² helps bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
Entirely student-run, the board offers members meaningful experience in leadership, collaborative decision-making, and educational advocacy—empowering students to shape a more engaged and intellectually vibrant campus.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact e² Board of Directors at engaging@ucsc.edu
Inter-Greek Council
The Inter-Greek Council (IGC) at UC Santa Cruz serves as the unified voice and governing body of the Greek-letter community. IGC’s mission is to foster unity, accountability, and growth across all member organizations while upholding the values of leadership, safety, and service.
Through peer governance, the IGC ensures that all chapters are in alignment with university policies, community standards, and legal requirements. We work collaboratively with our SOAR advisors and campus partners to create safe, healthy membership and social experiences, support chapter development, and advocate for the needs of our Greek-letter community.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact IGC at igc@ucsc.edu
Student Media Council
The Student Media Council supports a vibrant ecosystem of student-run publications, radio, and digital platforms at UC Santa Cruz. Rooted in the values of free expression, press freedom, and student voice, the council ensures that media organizations remain independent, student-governed, and socially responsible.
Through collaborative governance, council members make key decisions that support ethical media practices, uphold journalistic standards, and respond to the evolving needs of the campus community. Participation on the council offers students hands-on experience in leadership, critical thinking, and the democratic processes that sustain a free and diverse student press.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact Student Media Council at studentmedia@ucsc.edu
Student Union Governance Board (SUGB)
The Student Union Governance Board (SUGB) serves as the student-led body overseeing UCSC’s Student Governed Spaces (SGS)—a designation established by a student vote in 2017. These include the Student Union, the Redwood Building, and the Student Media Press Center. SUGB ensures that these spaces remain student-centered, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the campus community.
Each facility plays a unique role: the Student Union is a central hub for events and student engagement; the Redwood Building houses student organization offices and meeting spaces; and the Student Media Press Center supports the work of UCSC’s independent student-run media outlets.
SUGB members gain experience in leadership, collaborative governance, and space management—helping to shape and protect vital campus resources that support student voice, creativity, and community.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact SUGB at sugbatucsc@gmail.com
