Dear Partners of the UCSB Food Security and Basic Needs Taskforce,
This newsletter is a resource for staff, faculty, student leaders, and community partners working together to support food security and basic needs at UCSB. We’re committed to keeping you informed and fostering collaboration as we move into the Summer Session!
Got a topic you’d like to see covered in an upcoming issue? Feel free to share your suggestions with us using this Google Form.
Let’s continue making a difference and ensuring that every student has what they need to thrive—through the summer and beyond!
Warmly,
UCSB Thrive 🌟
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Fall Recreation Classes & Programs – Registration NOW OPEN! 🍂
Kick off the new school year with UCSB Recreation! Whether you want to learn a new dance style, climb, sail, compete in intramurals, or try martial arts, there’s something for everyone. Find your fit this fall!
✨ New Classes This Quarter:
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Cardio Dance
Fencing
Fit & Flow
iRest® Meditation – Finding Your Calm
Latin Social Dances
Total Body Conditioning
Yoga – Mindful Reset
💃 Gaucho R.E.C. – Dance, Fencing, Martial Arts, Pickleball, Pilates, Pottery, Tennis, Yoga & more!
🎨 Pottery registration opens Sept. 3 @ 8:30 AM
🚴 Get Up GAUCHOS! – All-Access Passes available for unlimited Group Cycling & Group Fitness classes.
🌊 Adventure Programs – Aerial Arts, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Surfing, Sailing, SCUBA & more!
🏊 Aquatics – Adult & youth swim lessons, Gaucho Masters Swim, Water Fitness
👶 Youth swim registration opens Sept. 3 @ 10 AM
⛑️ Red Cross Certification – Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
🏆 Intramural Sports – Registration opens Sept. 25!
12 PM Basketball & Indoor Soccer | 1 PM Outdoor Soccer | 2 PM Volleyball | 3 PM Flag Football, Softball & Ultimate Frisbee
👉 Sign up today and make this fall your most active yet!
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♻️ End of Summer Drive – Donate & Recycle! 🌱
📅 September–October 2025
📍 Donation box in UCSB Rec Cen Lobby
Got broken, old, or outgrown gear? Don’t toss it—recycle it! 🌍 This fall, UCSB is collecting gently used or worn-out sporting gear and equipment to give them a second life.
✅ Currently Accepting:
🏐 Balls & Cones
🎒 Bags & Clothing
🧘 Yoga Mats & Resistance Accessories
🌊 Aquatics Equipment
📣 Whistles, Netting & more
Join us in making campus more sustainable while clearing out your old gear. Every donation makes a difference! 💚
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🌱 Basic Needs Collaborations
Are you part of a student org, campus department, or local Isla Vista group working to support student well-being? Let’s collaborate! 💫
We’re always looking to team up with student clubs, on-campus organizations, and community-based partners in I.V. to bring accessible, inclusive, and impactful programming to our UCSB community. Together, we can help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. 🫶🍎
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🌎 2025 Central Coast Sustainability Summit
📅 Wednesday, October 15th | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Corwin Pavilion, UCSB
Join local leaders, agencies, and changemakers at UCSB for a full day of collaboration, learning, and climate action! 🌱
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council California, will share insights on how the built environment can drive equity and resilience across our communities.
🧠 Breakout sessions will cover topics like:
• Climate and community resiliency
• Building electrification and utility rates
• Waste management & food recovery
• Regenerative agriculture
• Climate education
🚗 Don’t miss the Clean Transportation Showcase, featuring EVs, e-bikes, and clean mobility solutions. Sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition.
Questions? Contact Jewel Persad at jewel...@ucsb.edu
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💼 Work-Study & CalFresh: What You Need to Know 🌿
Did you know? If you’re on Work-Study, the income does not count when applying for CalFresh, meaning you may be eligible for the maximum benefit amount! 🙌
Here’s how to prove your Work-Study status to the county:
Step 1: 📝 Go to the UCSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website and login to download your work study referral form. This is different from the work study verification letter.
Step 2: 📂 Turn in the form to your on-campus employer. allow about 2 weeks for processing (your employer will fill out the form and have to submit to the work study advisor at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships).
Step 3: ✅ Follow up to confirm your employer has approved the form, request a copy for your records.
Step 4: 📄 Submit the approved referral form to the county as proof of your Work-Study income.
This simple process makes sure your Work-Study wages don’t reduce your CalFresh benefits, helping you get the support you deserve! 💛
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📞 How to Contact the Financial Aid Office
Need help with your financial aid? Here’s what to know:
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☎️ The phone line can reach capacity, once it does, you won’t be able to join the queue.
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🚶 Going in person is the fastest way to get answers if you’re waiting on something urgent.
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📧 Email response times are slower right now, so again, visiting in person is best.
💸 Scholarships are still being added to award packages, so they may not appear on your award letter yet. Don’t worry, updates are still happening! 💸
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🎓 Outreach Events for Prospective Graduate Students
UC Santa Barbara is committed to supporting prospective graduate students by providing clear, accessible, and helpful information about the admissions process.
📢 Fall 2025 Graduate Admissions Webinar Series
Join the UCSB Graduate Division’s Admissions, Outreach & Diversity team for free virtual workshops designed to help you prepare a strong application and better understand the admissions process. Open to all prospective students!
🗓️ Webinar Dates
September 17, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PDT
October 14, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PDT
November 12, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PST
December 2, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PST
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🌉 Apply Now: BRIDGE Fellowship
Looking for research experience + financial support? The BRIDGE Fellowship pairs eligible students with faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities—while providing up to $7,200 in scholarship funding for the year! 💡📚
📅 Application Deadline: September 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
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💼 Explore More with the USS Opportunity Hub
Not sure where to start? The USS Opportunity Hub is your one-stop resource for:
✨ BRIDGE research positions
✨ Monarch Opportunity Scholarships
✨ Other paid professional opportunities
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Emergency Relief for Students Impacted by ICE Raids
Complete this form to request emergency relief support for a child or teen affected by family separation.
College students can apply. If they have younger siblings they could mention their siblings. In terms of "impacted by raids" it could be someone whose family member has been Detained or deported.
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💡 Test Fee Waivers Available for Undocumented students with DACA
📘 MCAT Fee Waiver
Undocumented students with DACA status who are unable to pay for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) qualify for a fee waiver. (No deadline)
⚖️ LSAT Fee Waiver
Undocumented students with DACA status who are unable to pay for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) qualify for a fee waiver. (No deadline)
These waivers are designed to reduce financial barriers and support students pursuing graduate and professional education.
Reach out to USS via email for more information!
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Help Us Grow Food for the Neighborhood
Join one (or both!) of the Isla Vista Garden Clubs and help make fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone. 🥕🌽🍅
At St. Michael's and Methodist Community Gardens, you can harvest produce from the shared community beds (look for the blue-painted boxes!), meet new people, and care for our local garden spaces. No experience or tools needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to dig in! 🌻🧤
👩🌾 St. Michael's Garden Club
📍 Mondays at 5 PM — 6586 Picasso Rd
👨🌾 Methodist Garden Club
📍 Wednesdays at 5 PM — 892 Camino Del Sur (corner of Sueno & Camino Del Sur)
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UCSB Library Opportunities
Services Desk Student Assistant ($16.50/hr.)
The Services Desk in the Paseo is a combined Reference and Access Services point in the Library where patrons can request or check out materials from Course Reserves, the Main Library, Interlibrary Loan, and various other off-campus locations. Additionally, the Services Desk provides general, directional and basic reference information for students, faculty, staff and the public. Student assistants are expected to maintain a high level of competency, accuracy and professionalism with a high degree of independence while assisting patrons with a variety of tasks in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
*Federal Work Study eligibility is required for this position*
Apply by: October 1st 8:00am
DREAM Lab Student Assistant ($18.40/hr.)
The UCSB Library’s DREAM Lab provides access to the Library’s growing collection of data sets, resources, and high-end workstations with analytical software such as R, Python, ArcGIS, Matlab, SAS, SPSS, and Stata. The DREAM Lab staff offers consultations on research involving data, including finding and recommending data sources and advising on technical data issues such as file format conversion and basic software use. We are seeking students that can help our users and provide assistance particularly in the use of the tools we support.
Apply by: September 25th 6:00am
Web Developer Student Assistant ($16.50/hr.)
We seek a proactive, detail-oriented student assistant to support website design, development, and maintenance. This role will involve assisting with ongoing content updates, managing code and documentation, and ensuring the site remains up-to-date and fully functional.
Apply by: September 20th 6:00am
DREAM Lab Student Assistant - Chinese Typing/Transcribing ($18.40/hr.)
The DREAM Lab staff offers consultations on research involving data, including finding and recommending data sources and advising on technical data issues such as file format conversion and basic software use. We are seeking students that can help our users and provide assistance particularly in the use of the tools we support. This student will be expected to assist with Chinese-language research projects, including but not limited to transcribing and coding recorded interviews.
Apply by: September 25th 6:00am
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Activities Coordinator-Youth Mentor ($20-30/hr.)
Looking for a rewarding part-time job that fits your college schedule? Become an After-School Program Coordinator and help guide elementary students through fun activities, homework support, and enrichment projects. Gain leadership experience, build your resume, and make a real impact—all while working in a supportive team environment. Hours range from start at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Work one or more days per week.
Apply by: September 8th 6:00am
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Multimedia Student Assistant (17.50/hr.)
UC Education Abroad Program
Job Description: The Multimedia Student Assistant supports the Marketing, Communications, and Engagement team as they produce the highest quality communication to effectively meet UCEAP strategic objectives. This position supports updating, maintaining, and creating content for the UC Education Abroad Program's systemwide website, digital and print publications, social media, emails, and presentations for a wide range of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Media includes text, photography, video, graphics, and icons. With supervision, the Multimedia Student Worker collaborates across the organization with other units, including regional teams, student finance, health and safety, IT, research, and the director's office.
Apply by: February 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM
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Gaucho R.E.C. & Get Up GAUCHOS! Program Assistants ($16.50/hr.)
Job Description: Our Program Assistants work with our program coordinator, student manager, instructors, and participants to create a safe, organized, and successful class experience. We are hiring Program Assistants for our Gaucho R.E.C. & Get Up GAUCHOS! recreation and exercise program. We are looking for reliable, confident, self-motivated staff with an eye for detail, who can stay focused, remain calm under pressure, and think critically if problems arise.
Applications Due: First review date will be September 10th.
Applications will continue to be accepted until positions are filled.
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🎥✨Join us for “Movies in the Park” every Friday
September 12th - October 3rd at 8pm in Anisq’Oyo’ Park!
This year’s theme is Friendship, Frights, & Nostalgic Nights with classics like Ghost Busters, Beetlejuice, and more!
Free snacks while supplies last - bring your friends and enjoy some delicious popcorn and entertainment!
📍950 Embarcadero Del Mar, IV. See you there! 👋
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🌊✨ Countdown to Coastal Cleanup Day ✨🌊
Our biggest cleanup of the year is almost here!
🗓️ Join us on Saturday, September 20th at your favorite beach, creek, or park.
🌍 30+ cleanup sites to choose from, including NEW locations: Elings Park, More Mesa, and Ellwood. Pre-register and be automatically entered into a drawing!
🪙 Bonus fun: A Trashure Hunt at select sites! Find a hidden treasure chest while you pick up litter and win a prize. 🎁
Let’s make a difference together. 💙 See you out there on September 20th!
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🧘♀️ Rooftop Vibes & Vinyasa 🌞🎶
Join the Santa Barbara Yoga Collective for a morning of flow, movement, and music! Enjoy a live DJ + yoga session in the beautiful Courtyard at DT Santa Barbara by Marriott.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 20
⏰ 10 AM
📍 Courtyard DT Santa Barbara by Marriott
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🎭 Elings Park & Naked Shakes Present: The Tempest 🎭
Dates & Times
Thursday, Sept. 11 • 5 PM
Friday, Sept. 12 • 5 PM
Sunday, Sept. 14 • 3 PM
📍 Elings Park’s Godric Grove
A magical storm. A powerful magician. A journey to forgiveness. 🌊🪄
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary Season of UCSB’s award-winning Naked Shakes with The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Directed by Irwin Appel, this innovative outdoor performance combines movement, choreography by Christina McCarthy, and an original live score by Jim Connolly. ✨
Tickets:
$17 adults | $13 teens & seniors | Free for kids under 12
Cushion Seat Rental: $10
Parking: $6
(Tickets available at the door if space allows: $20 adults, $15 teens & seniors)
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📖✨ Poetry Grows Here: Presidio Neighborhood
📅 Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Pico Adobe, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Join Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin and Gunpowder Press for a free poetry workshop + tasting event inspired by Santa Barbara’s food, wine, and culture! 🍷🌮✨
After a guided poetry session, participants will visit:
🥗 Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant – tasty bite
🥂 Loubud Wines – sparkling local wine
🍯 The Space (Su’nan Protection, Art & Cultural Education) – Chumash sweet treat
✅ Pre-registration required (limited capacity).
Bring a notebook, pen, and comfortable shoes.
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📚🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Collective Book Sale Meetup
Mon, Sept. 15 | 5:15–7:00 PM | Earl Warren Showgrounds
Join the LGBTQ Staff & Faculty Collective for an evening at the Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale! We’ll gather outside the Exhibition Hall at 5:15 PM (look for the small pride flag 🌈) and then head inside to explore aisles of discounted books, games, puzzles, and more.
Meetup is open to LGBTQIA+ staff, faculty, and allies—friends and partners welcome! ✨
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📚 UCSB Enrollment Services Fair ✨
Got questions about fall enrollment? The Enrollment Services Fair is here to help! Join us from Sept. 22–25, 10 AM–3 PM in the SAASB Courtyard for guidance and answers.
✅ Representatives from Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Registrar, BARC, Basic Needs, Student Health, and more will be on hand to support you through the process.
Don’t miss this chance to get your questions answered and start the year off smoothly! 🌼
 
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🌈 Creating Connection: A Collaborative Nature Art Workshop 🍁
🧑🎨 Do you need to slow down and reconnect with yourself and those around you? Join us as we destress and build community to create nature art. 🌳
Together, we'll create a large art piece using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. No experience is necessary. Just bring an open mind and an open heart! ❤️
📅 Wed, Sep 10, 2025
⏱️ 3 PM – 4 PM
📍 Storke Family Student Housing Garden
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✨ Mindfulness for Beginners
📅 Wednesdays: 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10
🕛 12:00–12:45 PM
📍SRB Oceanside Lawn
🌼 Learn the basics of mindfulness meditation in a supportive space. Beginner-friendly, with guided practices that include mindful self-compassion. Drop-in welcome, led by a certified facilitator. 🧘♀️
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🌞 Unwind and Meditate
📅 Thursdays: 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11
🕛 12:00–12:45 PM
📍SRB Oceanside Lawn
💆 Take a midweek pause with a short, beginner-friendly meditation and breathing practice. Stay after to enjoy your lunch 🥗 and connect with others. Bring your own lunch.
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📍 SNAC (Food Security & Basic Needs and Advising Center) Hours
Navigating college life can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone! At SNAC, we offer support for basic needs like housing questions, technology access, financial resources, and more. 🏡💻💵 It’s important to ask for help when needed. Whether you're facing challenges with housing, need assistance with technology, or have questions about finances, we’re here to guide you through it all. Your well-being is our priority, and we want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed. 💪
Students are welcome to stop by the SNAC main office in the University Center for all your advising needs. If you're at SRB or El Centro, make sure to bring your laptop. 💻 Not sure where to go? No worries—just stop by our main location at the University Center! 😊
We’re here to support you through the finish line! ✨
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To book an appointment, scroll down to "booking an appointment" for appointment options: https://basicneeds.ucsb.edu/
Follow us on IG & Tiktok @ucsbthrive
for the latest news on basic needs resources! |
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📢 Faculty & Staff — Help Us Spread the Word! 🍎📦
The A.S. Food Bank is still here to support students this summer with fresh produce, pantry staples, and online orders — just in a new temporary location!
📍 Now located on the 3rd floor of the UCen while the main pantry is under renovation.
🛒 Online orders available for added convenience!
Please share this info with students who may need support — no one should go hungry this summer.
👉 Stay up to date by following @ucsbasfoodbank
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📢 Help Spread the Word: Miramar Pantry is Open This Summer! 🥫🌿
Know students living on the far side of Isla Vista or in Sierra Madre Villages? Let them know they don’t need to travel far for fresh food and pantry staples — the Miramar Pantry is right in their neighborhood! 🥕🍞
📍 Located behind the admin office in Sierra Madre Villages
🕓 Open Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:30–6:30 PM
🥶 Includes refrigerated items for perishable goods
♻️ Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag!
🥫Summer Open Hours
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:30–6:30 PM
Grab what you need to stay fueled and focused! 💪🍎
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🚲☀️ Bike Shop Summer Hours
🚨🚨IMPORTANT UPDATE🚨🚨
Closed:
07/16 - 07/28
👀 Check Instagram to stay up to date 👀
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Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Hours
💰 Need help with financial resources or scholarships? We've got you covered! 💡
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to assist you Monday-Friday from 10 AM–12 PM & 1 PM–4 PM. Drop by for guidance and support navigating your financial journey! 📚✨
📱✨ Need to chat with someone?
Skip the wait — join QLess to schedule a phone appointment and get the support you need, right from your phone! ☎️💬
Tap the link, join the queue, and they’ll call you when it’s your turn! 🙌
💰 Office of Financial Aid QLess Info 💻
Heads up! The QLess system won’t accept new check-ins if the max number of people waiting is reached.
⏰ The office is closed from 12 PM to 1 PM —
so if you try during that time, please join the virtual line starting at 1 PM.
Plan ahead and save your spot!
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ASK A QUESTION
Want more information? We've got you covered – just reply to this email!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
The basicneeds.ucsb.edu site acts as a central hub for all things relating to basic needs at UCSB. It is regularly updated with information on critical resources, and you can use our virtual chat feature to get one-on-one advising with a peer advocate!
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