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Student Life

  • Communities of Color and Native American Student Press Collective (TWANAS)

    The Communities of Color and Native American Student Press Collective (previously Third World and Native American Student Press Collective), a.k.a "TWANAS", is one of the oldest student-run magazines at UC Santa Cruz. TWANAS is dedicated to providing a media outlet for students of color to write about the issues that affect students of color. They publish approximately two magazines each academic year and hold weekly staff meetings. Quarterly meeting times and locations will be updated regularly. TWANAS is regularly accepting new staff members, as well as submissions for each of our issues. For more information about joining or submitting to TWANAS, e-mail them at twanaspress@gmail.com and stay connected with them on Instagram and Twitter @twanas_press. 

  • Engaging Education (E²)

    E² is a student-initiated outreach and retention center for student engagement and academic excellence. It is a supportive and dynamic space for programming that addresses the low rates of recruitment, retention, and graduation of historically underserved students on the path to higher education. E² provides the foundation for students to engage, learn, and organize around issues of social justice, student power, community, and new paradigms. e² stands as a home for student power and energy where students can find a voice for themselves through organizing by providing an inclusive, equitable, and diversified space within the University.

  • First Generation Initiative

    The First Generation Initiative at UCSC strives to raise visibility for the first-generation community (faculty, staff, alumni, and students), foster a positive campus climate, provide information and resources, and build a network of support for their first-generation students. Launched in Spring 2017, UC Santa Cruz joined a system-wide effort to support the growing first-generation college student population. In 2019, 40% of entering first-year students at UCSC were the first in their family to attend college. If you are interested in being part of the First Generation Initiative, please click here.

  • Rainbow Theater

    Rainbow Theater was established in 1994 with a mission to create unity, higher visibility, and understanding of various cultures within our communities. The goal is to foster the spirit of unity by breaking down cultural walls, providing an outlet for creative talents of various ethnic communities by giving voice, promoting dialogue as well as celebrating diversity and fostering communities. Proceeds from Rainbow Theaters Fall performances and other sponsors are used to fund the Rainbow Professional Series, which provides performances from professional performers and shows free to the public.

  • Student Alliance of Native American/Indigenous Peoples (SANAI)

    The Student Alliance of Native American/Indigenous Peoples (previously Student Alliance of North American Indians), or "SANAI", is a student-run organization whose purpose is to increase the awareness of issues affecting Indigenous peoples to both the University and the greater Santa Cruz community. SANAI also provides academic and moral support for Native American students. For more information contact sanaiatucsc@gmail.com or you can visit them on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Their handle is @sanaiucsc on all these platforms. 

    If you'd like to be a member of SANAI please click here to register for the 2021-2022 academic year. There is no deadline for registration. You can become a member at any point in the year.

  • Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

    The mission of SACNAS is to encourage Chicano, Latino, and Native American students to pursue graduate education in order to obtain the advanced degrees necessary for science research, leadership and teaching careers at all levels. The SACNAS office can provide information on many opportunities for minority students and professionals in the sciences.

    The annual national conference provides scientific symposia, keynote speakers who are at the forefront of scientific research, professional development sessions, and student poster and oral presentations. This conference, usually held in mid-October, provides a forum for students, faculty, and professionals in science and education to share research, address the unique accomplishments and challenges of minorities in science, form networks of mentors and colleagues, and gain access to educational and career opportunities. For more information, contact SACNAS at (831) 459-0170, info@sacnas.org; or visit the SACNAS website.