Pillar 4: UCSC Students and Empowering Engagement
“The only reason unjust systems exist is that the masses of people silently give their consent and believe these systems are necessary—whether for their security or survival. Power derives from the consent of the people and those who operate and participate in that system. The minute the people withdraw their support, these systems will collapse.” - John R Lewis
Engaging with Critical Pedagogy
The UCSC colleges are based on a living and learning model. Not only do frosh live together in the residence halls, they also take the same seminar in their college during the fall quarter. As affiliates of John R Lewis College you begin to engage with Critical Pedagogy starting with your Core course JRLC1, but you can also do so through additional JRLC Courses.
Social Justice Issues Workshop (JRLC 85) & Teaching Social Justice Issues Workshop (JRLC 191)
In JRLC 85, students will engage with a "Series of presentations, films, and workshops that address personal and cultural identity and examine social, cultural, political, environmental, and other justice concerns."
Through JRLC 191, students have the opportunity to "participate in teaching discussion groups" for sections of JRLC 85.
Participating in Student Government
John R. Lewis College Governing Cooperative / College Senate
The Governing Cooperative ("GoCo"), the student government for John R. Lewis College, discusses John R. Lewis College issues as well as greater campus issues and hears requests for funding from campus organizations for their events. All John R. Lewis College students are eligible to become a member. |
Student Union Assembly (SUA)
|
The Student Union Assembly (SUA) serves as the officially recognized undergraduate student government at UC Santa Cruz. Comprised of officers and representatives, the SUA provides a multitude of resources that span legislation, advocacy, funding, and more. The Student Union Assembly (SUA) offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved at many different leadership levels. We encourage you to contribute ideas, share your unique perspective and opinions, gain valuable experience and take part in making a difference on campus. Learn more about the SUA and committees and see where there might be a place for you! |
Get Out to Vote!
Participating in Student Organizations
SOAR/Student Media/Cultural Arts and Diversity (SOMeCA)
The capacity to lead is gained through practice. In SOMeCA, students engage real world situations and build leadership values and skills that last a lifetime.
SOMeCA works because—30 years ago—it started with honoring the leadership of students. Students, staff, and alumni came together to create a space where students could imagine and build the world they want to live in. Thousands of people contributed. Today, SOMeCA students work in democratic and culturally diverse teams that govern substantial budgets, campaigns, buildings, and university programs and productions. Supported by a dynamic network of staff and alumni, they create positive social change and master the art of balancing power and responsibility.
SOMeCA continues to develop and offer engaging leadership resources, including:
- Experiential leadership classes and trainings
- Nationally recognized speakers
- A network of alumni leaders
- Professional advisors
- The Students With Agency Toolkit
Student Organization Leadership (SOL) Council
SOMeCA is home to five student-initiated governance councils. Each council:
- Develops educational opportunities for the UCSC student body through democratic processes
- Offers council members a full year of leadership training and experience
- Serves as a space for students to develop their agency and voice
- Practices democratic budgeting in the allocation of resources, guided by principles developed by students
Councils
- Cultural Arts & Diversity Board of Directors
- Campus Sustainability Council
- Engaging Education Board of Directors
- Student Media Council
- Student Union Governance Board
UCSC's Registered Student Organizations
SOMeCA is home to about 200 registered student organizations! These organizations are vital to the campus climate and community at the University of California, Santa Cruz for students to truly engage in their college experience. Check out the list of Organizations here!
Organizations are registered by the following focus areas:
- Academic - Develop ties with your academic goals and career interests
- Cultural & Identity - Find a sense of community through shared cultural upbringing and beliefs
- Environmental & Sustainability - Create and motivate environmental awareness
- General Interest - Engage with various students through a common interest
- Greek Letter - Discover sororities and fraternities for a broad range of opportunities
- Media - Broadcast - Learn production level skills
- Media - Print - Create printed publications to distribute campus-wide
- Performing & Visual Arts - Convey artistic expression through voice and body
- Political & Advocacy - Education, advocate, and discuss political consciousness
- Professional - Guide, support, and grow in your career goals
- Religious & Spiritual - Strengthen or learn faith and beliefs in a shared community
- Service - Volunteer within the community at home or abroad to give service
California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG)
|
http://www.calpirgstudents.org/ucsc Links to an external site. CALPIRG is a student-directed, student-funded non-profit that works on environmental and social justice campaigns on a local, statewide, and national level. We are part of a network of PIRG chapters at all the major UCs and 100s of universities across the country. We teach the principles of leadership and organizing in order to make political and social change in our community. |
John R. Lewis College Presents:
Black Liberation and Pedagogies
Necessary Trouble: Thinking with the Legacy of John R. Lewis
“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” – John R. Lewis
Ready for some necessary trouble? In anticipation and in honor of the dedication of John R. Lewis College at UC Santa Cruz, the Division of Social Sciences, Colleges Nine and Ten, the Institute for Social Transformation, and the Center for Racial Justice organized five events centered on topics exemplified by the life of Representative John Lewis. At UC Santa Cruz, we believe that the real change is us. The series aimed to highlight the efforts of faculty, students, staff, community leaders, and alumni in their commitments to social and racial justice, civic engagement, and democracy as a call for all of us to carry John R. Lewis’ legacy forward.
“Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society. “ ― John Lewis
In 2020, we witnessed a racial reckoning, with the mass protests all around our nation after the murder of George Floyd — millions taking over the streets to demand racial justice and liberation of Black Lives. Issues surrounding racism and anti-Blackness in the US dominated discussions from the classroom to the boardroom, with many outside of the Black community familiarizing themselves with the racial underpinnings of American society, such as Juneteenth, the case for reparations, and the 1619 Project.
But there is another kind of racial reckoning underway, one that is oppositional to racial progress: a white supremacist backlash. Now even talking about racism in America in our classrooms is being challenged and legislated against, along with a proliferation of laws aimed at voter suppression and election subversion designed to weaken the political power of communities of color. We cannot allow that to happen; we must continue the struggle for a multiracial democracy to which John R. Lewis and so many others dedicated their lives.
In this, the first of five events, please join leading anti-racism scholars and community leaders as they discuss the contemporary challenges to Black liberation, promising practices and pedagogies in overcoming anti-Black racism, and how we can carry forward the legacy of John R. Lewis in the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Student Diversity and Inclusion Programs
Student Diversity and Inclusion Program (SDIP) exists to build community within the UC Santa Cruz system and to educate and advocate for equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.
OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION's Student Diversity and Inclusion Program
VISION:
Promoting a campus community that reflects, recognizes, and acts upon the power & privilege we hold to advocate & empower underserved communities.
SDIP is an education, advocacy, and outreach center staffed by undergraduate students aiming to strengthen and embrace fellow colleagues. Located in Stevenson College, this intimate resource center provides educational nourishment to all students and staff with a specific focus on serving underserved communities and undocumented students.
SDIP student interns work in collaboration with Residential Life Offices, Slug Support, ODEI, EOP, USS, DRC, AARCC, LRC, and with diversity, equity, and inclusion experts from across campus to promote open dialogue regarding diversity, inclusion, equity, and wellness. Staff and program support are provided by the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and Colleges, Housing, and Educational Services (CHES).
Moving Forward
Time to wrap up this Pillar! When you apply for the GTA Completion Certificate (prior to Graduation), you will complete a final reflection addressing each of the Five Pillars and linking the values and commitments in each pillar to some of the leadership and learning experiences you have had at JRLC and UCSC.