Associated Students UCLA: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) stands as a cornerstone of student life at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Established in 1919, concurrently with the university's founding, ASUCLA has evolved into a multifaceted organization. From its humble beginnings offering basic student services, ASUCLA now encompasses student government, publications, various services, and enterprises such as the UCLA Store and food services.
Historical Development
In 1919, the California State Legislature transformed the Vermont Avenue Normal School Teacher’s College in downtown Los Angeles into the University of California, Southern Branch. The modern ASUCLA was formed that same year. Initially, the University Regents focused on managing academics, libraries, and faculty, but ASUCLA quickly became the heart of student activities.
Early Years and the Great Depression
During the 1930s, ASUCLA faced financial challenges due to the Great Depression and declining football revenues. At the time, ASUCLA controlled campus athletics. General Manager William Ackerman sought a loan from the University Regents. In 1933, a $50,000 loan was approved, contingent upon establishing a board of control (later the Board of Directors) with a student majority to oversee finances. This marked a shift, reducing ASUCLA's autonomy from the university administration.
Mid-20th Century
For much of its history through the 1964-1965 school year, most of the members of Undergraduate Students Association's Student Legislative Council Student Executive Council represented constituencies such as academic groupings, gender, class (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.), and lower/upper division status, various boards, or even the graduate student body.
Financial Crisis in the 1990s
Despite financial success in the 1980s, ASUCLA encountered a financial crisis by the mid-1990s, partly due to infrastructure maintenance costs. The Board of Directors responded by dismissing the executive director for financial mismanagement and hiring a turnaround firm. In 1996, facing financial issues and a failed student fee referendum, ASUCLA secured a $20 million loan from the University. This loan required ASUCLA to prepare five-year forecasts with its annual budgets and excluded the presidents of the undergraduate and graduate student associations from serving on the board. Failure to comply would allow the UCLA Chancellor to appoint additional campus administration representatives to the Board, eliminating the student majority.
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Organizational Structure
ASUCLA operates as a four-part organization encompassing various entities and functions.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors governs ASUCLA and is composed of students, UCLA administrators, a faculty member, and alumni. Student members, appointed by the undergraduate and graduate student associations, constitute a bare majority. UCLA administrators are appointed by the campus chancellor, the faculty member by the Academic Senate, and alumni by the alumni association board of directors.
Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC)
The Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) comprises fifteen officials directly elected every spring quarter. These positions include President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, three General Representatives, and Commissioners for Academic Affairs, Campus Events, Community Service, Cultural Affairs, Facilities, Financial Supports, and Student Wellness. Additionally, there are representatives for Transfer Students and International Students.
Elections Board
The Elections Board administers all Undergraduate Students Association elections. Its responsibilities include validating petition signatures and recommending changes to the Undergraduate Students Association elections code. The Chair of the Elections Board is nominated by the Undergraduate Students Association President and approved by the Council.
Judicial Board
The Judicial Board serves two primary functions. First, it rules on whether policies and actions comply with the Undergraduate Students Association's governing documents, including issuing advisory opinions. Second, it hears appeals of decisions by the Undergraduate Students Association's Elections Board. The Judicial Board comprises seven undergraduate members, nominated by the Undergraduate Students Association President and confirmed by a 2/3 vote of the Council. Members hold their office for the remainder of their undergraduate tenure at UCLA or until they have held the position for two years.
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Graduate Students Association (GSA)
The Graduate Students Association (GSA) includes 13 councils organized around related academic groupings. These councils represent their student-constituents' interests to other GSA bodies, elect representatives to other GSA bodies (including Forum delegates), and spend programming funds allocated to them. Each council is composed of one representative for every ten students (or fraction thereof) in an academic department, with reappointment occurring every summer.
The Forum
The Forum is the highest-ranking body of GSA. Each GSA council elects one delegate for every 600 students (or fraction thereof) that it represents. Additionally, the Student Interest Board (collectively representing the Black Graduate Students Association, International Graduate Students Association, Armenian Graduate Student Association, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Hispanic/Latinx Graduate Students Association, and First-Generation Graduate Students Council) selects two delegates.
Communications Board
The Communications Board is composed of eight students (four each appointed by the undergraduate and graduate students associations), a UCLA administrator (appointed by the campus chancellor), a faculty member (appointed by the Academic Senate), an alumnus (appointed by the Executive Director of the UCLA Alumni Association), and four media professionals (appointed by the Communications Board on the recommendation of its operations committee), with the student members constituting a bare-majority.
Key Services and Enterprises
ASUCLA delivers essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus.
UCLA Store
The UCLA Store, a student-run enterprise of ASUCLA, is the largest college store in the United States. It offers a wide range of products, including course materials, apparel, and UCLA-themed merchandise.
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In recent years, the UCLA Store has implemented initiatives to support students' financial well-being. Since 2022, ASUCLA proudly introduced the acceptance of CalFresh benefits at two UCLA Store locations - a pioneering move for university campus stores nationwide. Additionally, the UCLA Store saved over 50,000 students over $1.1 million on 77,550 course materials as compared to traditional texts through Inclusive Access.
The UCLA Store also collaborates with various brands and organizations. For example, the latest UCLA Store collection introduces new vendor partner Recover Brands to the campus flagship, bringing new collegiate styles with a purpose. With sustainability at Recover’s core, the collaboration launches Feb. In addition, Zara and UCLA launched a new collection.
The student body’s vote is in: first-year cognitive science student Alexa Chua has been named the winner of the 2026 Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) T-shirt Design Contest. The winning T-shirt design will be available both in-store and online Jan. 12. It’s time again for UCLA students to submit their artwork for the 13th annual ASUCLA T-shirt Design Contest.
Food Services
ASUCLA operates an extensive food service program, providing various dining options for students, faculty, and staff. These options include cafeterias, restaurants, and cafes located throughout the campus.
Student Media
ASUCLA oversees various student media outlets, providing platforms for student voices and perspectives.
The Daily Bruin
The UCLA Daily Bruin, operating as the Daily Bruin, is a daily student newspaper. It covers campus news, sports, arts, and culture. The Daily Bruin has a long history of advocating for free press and has faced challenges throughout its existence.
Other Media Outlets
Other media outlets include UCLA Radio, and Bruinwalk.
Student Government
ASUCLA encompasses student government, providing opportunities for students to participate in decision-making processes and advocate for their interests.
Computer Gaming Space
A new, high-tech computer gaming space is now open for all Bruins to enjoy in the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) Student Union. Commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept.
Recent Achievements
ASUCLA has made significant strides in recent years to enhance student life and support the UCLA community.
Acceptance of CalFresh Benefits
Since 2022, ASUCLA proudly introduced the acceptance of CalFresh benefits at two UCLA Store locations - a pioneering move for university campus stores nationwide.
Savings on Course Materials
The UCLA Store, a student-run enterprise of ASUCLA, saved over 50,000 students over $1.1 million on 77,550 course materials as compared to traditional texts through Inclusive Access.
Financial Oversight and Management
ASUCLA's financial operations are governed by the Board of Directors. The association prepares annual budgets and five-year forecasts to ensure financial stability. In the past, ASUCLA has faced financial challenges, leading to increased oversight from the University administration.
Trademarks & Licensing
ASUCLA manages UCLA Trademarks & Licensing.
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