Mission and History
Associated Students of University of California Irvine (ASUCI) is the undergraduate government at UC Irvine. ASUCI is a student-run and student elected organization that advocates on behalf of students and creates programs that enhance the student experience at UC Irvine. Advocacy projects include partnering with dining to fight for better food service options on campus, researching a potential green energy policy for compost bins, questioning the bike policy and working to make professor evaluations public online. ASUCI hosts major festivals throughout the year such as, Aldrich Park After Dark in the Fall, Summerlands in the Spring and others! In addition ASUCI hosts tailgates, professor luncheons, guest lectures, weekly comedy nights at the Pub and movie-screenings to liven up campus life. Involvement in student government is a great way to gain leadership experience, learn about the University and advocate for improvements in student life.
In 1965-1966, over 50 students served on three committees (Honor Code, Constitution, and Activities) which was the genesis of ASUCI. After a failed attempt to ratify a constitution in spring 1966, on November 18, 1966, the first ASUCI constitution and fee ($7 quarter) were approved with 74.6% of the 1,141 students who voted, voting yes. Chancellor Aldrich recognized the election as valid and therefore authorized the establishment of both.
On May 19, 1972, The Regents reaffirmed that The Associated Students on the several campuses of the University are official units of the University “exercising authorities concerning student affairs by delegations from The Regents, the President, and the Chancellors, and that the President can continue to take all administrative action which is necessary or appropriate to treat the Associated Students and all of their activities as integral parts of the University, including, in particular, steps necessary to secure exemption from taxes on property administered by ASUC’s and from government permits and fees for their activities and actions to confirm that employees of the Associated Students are employees of the University.”
On October 8, 1972, The Regents authorized the ASUCI to increase to $8 per quarter. On February 14, 1973, The Regents authorized the ASUCI fee to increase to $9 per quarter. In 1981, The Regents authorized the fee to increase to $13 per quarter. And, on July 18, 1996, The Regents authorized the fee to increase to $18 per quarter. In Fall 1976 , the graduate students separated from ASUCI forming their own organization, Associated Graduate Students. Their current fee is $9 per student per quarter (excluding GSM and Medical students who pay $14 per student per quarter).
Through these ASUCI fees, it allows the student government to govern as an organizations by elected students and volunteers, for students. We do so in a variety ways and our hope is to ensure advocacy and dedication to serving the undergraduate population. ASUCI fees goes towards events such as festivals, concerts, rallies, free food and give-a-ways, luncheons, guest speaker events, boothing events, and so much more. Student elected leaders are able to make decisions to better student life and start new programs or initiatives that can help students.
“Being a part of ASUCI helped me emerge into the campus culture during my first year and allowed me to meet amazing people, become involved, and make a difference!”
“It’s been such an incredible opportunity to have the platform to advocate for and support commuter students this year. I think that’s the true mission of ASUCI – students come together to better understand what their fellow students’ issues and needs are, and then we all work on initiatives that help to improve the student experience at UCI.”
“Being a part of ASUCI I had the opportunity to be a part of something greater. It allowed me to understand student life and the many differences that we go through, however it taught me how to see and advocate for every student as my own. I made so many new friends, I got the opportunity to organize and learn new skills, and I made an impact in my community. Being able to be a part of this greater missions and opportunity was very life changing and I am thankful for all the memories made in the office. I am hopeful that the legacy of ASUCI lives on to advocate for and represent students.”
“ASUCI is a student government run by students for students and provides a platform and space to advocate for and be a voice for the most marginalized members of communities.”
“ASUCI has shown me the value of serving the community with your whole heart. It has connected me with student leaders at UCI who share the same passion for helping others, and I am so grateful to have a home away from home in ASUCI.”