Your Campus
Public Defender
The Office of the Student Advocate is an executive, non-partisan office of the student government at UC Santa Barbara.
We offer consultation, help, and representation for any student and/or group involved in a dispute with the University.
About the Office
The OSA is the campus defender, facilitating open and honest communication between students and the University by providing free, confidential peer support, advice, and assistance to any student, organization, or group involved in disputes within the University community. The OSA also advocates for students’ rights and works to challenge and improve University policies on behalf of the UCSB student body. Caseworkers support students one-on-one to help them navigate their cases and effectively represent themselves, while Community Organizers proactively pursue projects and policy changes based on trends identified through casework.
We are dedicated to enhancing equity and support for all students by bridging the gap between campus resources and student needs. By identifying and addressing recurring challenges observed in our interactions with students, OSA actively works to drive impactful change that benefits the entire student body. Our approach integrates both direct support and policy advocacy, ensuring that students receive assistance while systemic improvements are pursued.
How we can help
Grievances
Grievances
Grievances
Looking to speak with a caseworker?
View our intake process below.
01
Prepare Documents
Email all the relevant documents to your caseworker and bring any supplementary materials to your meeting, including but not limited to Notice of Alleged Violation (if applicable), Appeal Documents, etc.
02
Initial Meeting
We explain who we are and what we do, to make sure you have come to the right place and we can help you.
03
Sign Waivers
If you choose to proceed, you will be asked to sign both a liability waiver and a confidentiality agreement. These documents ensure that our conversations remain strictly confidential and acknowledge that the guidance provided by our office is offered in good faith and protected from legal liability.
04
Case Review/Guidance
We listen to your story, help you understand the university disciplinary process, discuss your options, and tell you what the most likely outcomes are based on our knowledge of university policy and past experience with similar cases.
Meet the Staff
Our caseworkers work with students on an one-on-one basis to work through their cases and ensure that they are in the best position to represent themselves.
Our directors work in a proactive manner to carry out projects and policy changes from trends they see on the casework level.
Student Advocate General
Head of Staff
Internal Head of Staff
Caseworker
Caseworker
Caseworker
Caseworker
Caseworker
Office of the Student Advocate
OSA is a non-partisan executive branch of the UCSB Associated Student Government.
By students, for students.