Frequently asked questions about recent happenings in SUA; resources to help students navigate challenging times
Recent events within the Student Union Assembly (SUA) have created a great deal of interest about the SUA, its governance, and the university's efforts to support students. Right now, student leaders are working to resolve these emerging issues within the framework of the SUA constitution and bylaws. Staff members are providing advice and guidance, as requested, and will continue to support SUA’s agency and self-governance as outlined in the SUA constitution and bylaws. To address some of the uncertainty about the SUA, below we've provided answers to frequently asked questions.
While the situation continues to evolve, we are keenly aware of the hurt and frustration many are feeling. We continue to encourage our students and community to support the process as set out in the SUA governing documents, respect one another, and engage our Principles of Community. We also want to remind students of the many resources available to them during this--and all--challenging times. Therefore, in addition to the frequently asked questions, we are providing a list of resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information about the SUA governance?
Where does SUA funding come from?
How does SUA set their budget? When and how is it approved?
How are SUA executive officers elected?
What positions are Executives of the Student Union Assembly?
What if the Parliamentarian is unable to fulfill their duties?
What is a recall? How does it work?
How many registered undergraduate students are there?
Who funds the SUA advisor position?
Why isn’t the university doing anything to intervene?
What is the university doing about the allegations of misconduct by students and staff?
What is the SUA?
The Student Union Assembly (SUA) serves as the officially recognized undergraduate student government at UC Santa Cruz. Composed of officers and representatives, the SUA provides supportive resources and represents undergraduate UCSC students and across various forums.Where can I find information about the SUA governance?
The SUA is a student organization governed by its Constitution and Bylaws.
Where does SUA funding come from?
The SUA is funded through Measure 8, a student fee referendum by which all registered students pay $7.00 per student, per quarter.
How does SUA set their budget? When and how is it approved?
Section E of the SUA Bylaws details budget creation and budget process.
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SUA Bylaws | Section E: Budget
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Are SUA officers paid?
Yes. Officers are paid approximately $8,100.00 for the term of the appointment. Article II, Section E of the SUA Constitution and Section E of the SUA bylaws address SUA officer compensation.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.E Compensation
SUA Bylaws | Section E.2.iiiE.2.iii Officer pay will be set at $900 per month during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters by agreement (B.Y.A.). |
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When are officers paid?
Officers are paid when they officially begin their officer duties. All Officers of the SUA serve for one year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year. (SUA constitution, article II, section F.4.) Several years ago, in an effort to support students’ cost of living during summer months the University began the practice of commencing pay in the summer when an Officer’s term begins. Though payment begins in the summer, the total pay for the term does not exceed the total amount outlined in the SUA Bylaws; e.g. approximately $8,100.00.
How are SUA executive officers elected?
Article II, Section B, Clause 3 of the SUA Constitution addresses officer elections. There are also provisions within the SUA constitution and bylaws for special elections, handling vacancies, etc.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.B.3
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What positions are Executives of the Student Union Assembly?
Article II, Section B, Clause 1 of the SUA Constitution identifies the Executives of the Student Union Assembly.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.B.1
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Who runs the SUA meetings?
The SUA Constitution stipulates that the Parliamentarian serves as the presiding officer in all meetings of the SUA.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.C.4.a
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What if the Parliamentarian is unable to fulfill their duties?
The SUA Bylaws address who fulfills the duties of Parliamentarian if they are absent from the meeting.
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SUA Bylaws | Section C.3.a.
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How are the SUA agendas set?
As outlined in the SUA Constitution, the Parliamentarian receives requests for agenda items and prepares the agenda for the SUA Assembly meetings.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.C.4.d
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What is a recall? How does it work?
Article II, Section H of the SUA Constitution addresses recalls and recall procedures for executive officers.
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SUA Constitution | Article II.H.1Section H. Recall, Procedures and Re-election of Student Union Assembly Members:
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How many registered undergraduate students are there?
There are currently (as of 10/26/2022) 17,566 enrolled undergraduate students. Five percent of 17,566 is 879 students. It is important to note that enrollment fluctuates throughout the quarter as students withdraw or take leave from the University.
When is the next SUA meeting?
At this time, there are no scheduled meetings for the SUA. Pursuant to the SUA constitution “[t]he SUA shall meet at least twice per month throughout the regular academic year.” When the next meeting is scheduled, the agenda of the next meeting must be distributed and publicly posted at least three business days prior to the meeting.
Who advises SUA?
The SUA is advised by a professional staff member known as the SUA Adviser. The Adviser position has been vacant since January 2022. In the absence of the adviser, the advising and operational functions for the SUA are supported by several professional staff in the Dean of Students Office.
Who funds the SUA advisor position?
The SUA budget covers all operating expenses, including the SUA advisor’s salary and benefits.
Why does SUA need an advisor?
A professional staff position has been paid from the SUA budget to work for the Student Union Assembly for at least 20 years. The role was created to provide the SUA with the support necessary to advance its work. The SUA advisor assists with hiring and paying student interns, purchases, travel arrangements, policy analysis, advising and other key administrative support. At the May 24, 2022 SUA Assembly meeting, the Assembly voted to allocate $123,134 in the 2022-2023 budget for the advisor position ($79,750 salary + $43,384 benefits). The approved budget line item reflected an increase of $24,287.12 from the line item in the 2021-2022 budget. The Assembly adopted an increase to allow for a higher classified position at a higher pay rate as a strategy to support retention of the position, as well as to hire someone at a level that would come into the role with sufficient professional experience to support the complex and multifaceted work of the SUA.
What is the Brown Act?
The Brown Act was enacted in California in 1953 to guarantee the public's right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies.
The SUA Constitution and the SUA Bylaws govern the SUA. The Brown Act does not apply to the SUA because it is not a local legislative body as the term is defined in the Brown Act. The SUA Constitution generally states it will comply with the Brown Act.
What is the university doing to address the emerging issues in SUA?
The SUA is a student organization. Student leaders are working to resolve the emerging issues within the framework of the SUA constitution and bylaws. Staff members are providing advice and guidance as requested and will continue to support SUA’s agency and self-governance as outlined in the SUA constitution and bylaws.
UC Santa Cruz staff members are in regular communication with the students. Around-the-clock, they are attending student meetings, receiving phone calls, responding to texts and emails, and addressing students’ needs. The university is staying abreast of all that is happening while also empowering students to resolve any issues as outlined by the SUA constitution and bylaws.
What is the university doing about the allegations of misconduct by students and staff?
In recent days, there have been a number of allegations made against UC Santa Cruz students and staff. All allegations are fully reviewed by UCSC. Allegations of misconduct should be reported to the university for review and possible investigation, which includes due process rights for both a complainant and a respondent.
Resources to help navigate the moment
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Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) provides free and confidential support for UCSC community members impacted by sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking. CARE can be reached during regular business hours at 831-502-2273, care@ucsc.edu, or through their appointment request form. The following resources are available 24/7: National Sexual Violence Hotline, by call or online chat. National Domestic Violence Hotline, by call, text, or online chat. For those needing crisis mental health support, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 1-800-273-8255 or online chat. |
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) CAPS provides UCSC students with a wide range of mental health and wellness services. Counseling services are available for any registered UCSC student and are confidential. There is no out-of-pocket fee for CAPS services, and you don't need UC SHIP or CruzCare to be seen at CAPS. To contact CAPS, call 831-459-2628. During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), you can request an immediate appointment by informing the office staff that you would like a same day crisis appointment. Outside of business hours, please press “3 – talk to a counselor” and you will be connected with a crisis counselor. If you are not in an immediate crisis situation but would like to initiate services as soon as possible, please call (831) 459-2628 and inform the office staff that you would like to schedule an initial appointment. Address and hours for CAPS can be found on the Student Health Center website. |
The Black Girl Doctor The Black Girl Doctor is a free virtual mental health practice focusing on supporting students' pursuit of academic success, career satisfaction, joy, and happiness. Additionally, all providers have specialty knowledge in responding to the unique challenges faced by Black communities. The Black Girl Doctor UC Santa Cruz Wellness Coaching site is live. Students can visit the sign to review the support offered and sign up for a free 90-minute coaching session. On the Margins On the Margins offers individual coaching sessions focused on healing and resiliency practices to deepen and sustain students’ personal, social, and academic well-being and goals. |
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Campus Police Department or 911 If you are feeling safe or wish to report a crime, we encourage you to file a report with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. |
Report a Hate/Bias Incident If you need to report a Hate Bias incident, please contact the Hate Bias response team. Report Sexual Violence, Harrassment, and/or Discrimination If you need to report sexual violence, harrassment, or discrimination please submit a Title IX report. Find out more about what is reportable under Title IX. Report Harrassment or Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, disability, sex, gender, age, and other protected identity. Make a report online or contact the Equity and Equal Protection Office. Report a possible Rules Violation If you want to submit a possible UCSC Rules Violation, file a report for review by Campus Conduct Staff. |
Respondent Support Services If you are a respondent in a Title IX investigation or student conduct investigation, you may be feeling stress or worry about how to navigate the experience. Respondent Support Services provides respondents with the holistic support needed to participate in a Title IX or student conduct investigation. Respondent Support Services can assist students in connecting to resources they need on and off campus, and can help them navigate policy and process. The goal of Respondent Support Services is to support engagement and understanding of the process, while also addressing emotional and academic wellbeing. |
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Resource Centers The professional staff in our resource centers have been working to provide thoughtful and caring support – and will continue to do so. Our resources centers include the African American Resource and Cultural Center, American Indian Resource Center, Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center, Cantu Queer Center, El Centro, and the Womxn’s Center. Slug Support Slug Support, through connection with case managers, offers students support in resolving a number of concerns including basic needs help, mental health support, and/or guidance about how to communicate with your instructors about your needs if you are feeling impacted by what is going on. |
SOMeCA Student organizations are also impacted by all that is happening right now. The staff at SOMeCA have been working daily to provide support to student organizations and will continue to do so… If you are a member of a student organization that is feeling impacted by all that is happening, you can reach out to your SOMeCA advisor for guidance, assistance or support. |
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