All Events
Show & Tell: Public Speaking in Community
MCC Lounge
Join us for Show & Tell: Public Speaking in Community—a relaxed, community gathering where graduate students can share something they’ve created, researched, or experienced over the summer. Whether it’s a project, story, or idea you’re passionate about, this is a space to practice public speaking in a supportive environment while connecting with peers. Build confidence, community, and communication skills in a fun and affirming atmosphere!
Co-sponsors: Graduate Division and Graduate Student Association
Study Jam
MCC Lounge
MCC Study Jam - Week 10
Location: MCC Lounge
Monday, 12/1, 10:30am-7:30pm
Tuesday, 12/2, 10:30am-7:30pm (Co-hosted by MCC Council 5:30-7:30pm)
Wednesday, 12/3, 10:30am-7:30pm
Thursday, 12/4, 10:30am-4:30pm
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks, along with scantrons and bluebooks to help you ace those exams!
Bring your friends and make the most of your study time!
Grad Community Vision Board Luncheon
MCC Lounge
Come join the MCC for a late lunch and vision boarding!
Get grounded in the new year and set your goals and intentions in a supportive community space. Share your aspirations and get tips from other grads on sustainable planning as you creatively express your affirmations. This event is open to all graduate students. We especially want to invite grad students from marginalized backgrounds who need inclusive spaces to validate their goals and priorities.
Co-sponsors: Graduate Division and Graduate Student Association
What’s going on with housing?
MCC Lounge
What’s going on with housing? Amid the various stressors of the college experience, UCSB students often find themselves burdened by a unique struggle: housing. These concerns are not new, stemming from the 2021 housing crisis that left UCSB’s student population without enough beds. As of 2025, students still have difficulty accessing these resources and remain rent-burdened. In collaboration with the Blum Center, University and Community Housing Services, Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU), and Isla Vista Community Service District (IVCSD), join us for an open conversation about the current state of housing and the gaps that need to be addressed. Learn about existing housing conditions, connect with helpful resources, and collaborate with us to explore solutions for making housing more affordable and accessible for the entire UCSB community. Dinner will be provided.
- Jenn Ja Birchim, UCHS, Manager of Community Housing Services: Jenn is the Assistant Director for University & Community Housing Services at UC Santa Barbara. She oversees community housing operations, with a focus on safety and security in Isla Vista, building strong relationships with local landlords, and educating students about their rental rights and responsibilities. A full-time working mom of four, she finds joy in balancing family life with her passion for the ocean and the vibrant community she serves.
- Blum Center: The Blum Center's Campus Housing Coalition brings together students, researchers, and community partners to address UCSB's housing crisis through advocacy, policy research, and student-led organizing. Over the past three years, the coalition has produced resources like the People's Guide to UCSB's Housing Crisis and guidetoucsbhousing.org website, built partnerships with more than 15 campus and community organizations, and supported initiatives such as Isla Vista's first Rental Inspection Program. By centering student voices and bridging research with action, the coalition works to ensure that housing policy serves the needs of the entire campus community.
- Amanda Hsieh, IVTU, International Relations Director: The Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) is a student-led organization at UC Santa Barbara dedicated to educating and empowering tenants while advocating for fair and affordable housing in Isla Vista. IVTU provides resources, hosts community events, and collaborates with campus and local partners to address housing issues. The organization aims to amplify student voices and promote equity in housing access and policy.
- IVCSD: The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing essential services and fostering a vibrant, safe, and connected community. From managing public safety initiatives and promoting sustainability to facilitating community events and advocating for residents' needs, IVCSD is at the heart of making Isla Vista a welcoming and thriving place to live, work, and play.
Co-Sponsors: Blum Center, Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU), Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD), University and Community Housing Services (UCHS)
