Who We Are
Founded in 2006, the Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) is a nonpartisan executive office of the Associated Students at UC Santa Barbara. Led by the Student Advocate General, OSA comprises undergraduate students committed to peer advocacy and public service.
The office provides free and confidential casework support to students navigating university policies and procedures, including disciplinary proceedings, academic grievances, housing disputes, and other institutional matters.
Our internal caseworkers work one-on-one with students and are extensively trained in all varieties of disciplinary matters. Our assistance is prompt, professional, confidential, and free.
Beyond individual casework, OSA external directors advocate for fair and equitable university policies, working to protect student rights and strengthen accountability within the UCSB community.
Our Purpose
OSA was established to make possible the highest level of fairness and equity within the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Disciplinary Processes. Created in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Office of Judicial Affairs, and Office of Residential Life, the OSA facilitates straightforward communication between students and the University by providing free and confidential peer support services, advice, and advocacy to any student, organization or group involved in a dispute with the University.
Our Services
The OSA’s primary responsibility is to give students the tools and information necessary to empower them to either remedy their situation by themselves or be assisted by the Student Advocate if requested. Essentially serving as the campus public defender, the OSA offers peer based support, advice, and aid to all students and student groups involved in disciplinary processes or dispute with the University. All services provided by the OSA are entirely free and confidential.
When a student is charged – either officially or unofficially – with misconduct violations, the OSA’s trained staff can begin to help the student depending on the specific needs of his or her case. Such charges may include, but are not limited to any alleged academic, conduct, or disciplinary violations to the University Code of Conduct or Residential Life Policies.
In most circumstances, staff members discuss conduct procedures and University policies with the student, inform them about the various stages of the University’s judicial process, and answer student questions. OSA staff may also aid students in the composition of documents pertinent to their cases (i.e. personal statement, appeals letter etc.)
If requested, an Advocate may accompany a student to their informal disciplinary meeting, at which time they can provide support and mediation services for the student. If a case progresses to its formal hearing stage (i.e. Residential Review Board Meeting or Student-Faculty Committee on Student Misconduct), the student may request that an Advocate attend their hearing, help them prepare a clear opening statement and provide them counsel and advice during the proceedings.
Office of the Student Advocate
OSA is a non-partisan executive branch of the UCSB Associated Student Government.
By students, for students.