INTRODUCTION
Student Initiated Recruitment and Retention Committee members are passionate about reaching out to high school and 1st year UCSB students. SIRRC’s outreach programs build a bridge from high school to the university and give new students the support they need to take advantage of everything UCSB has to offer. This support includes hosting midterm and finals study jams to help students achieve academically. It also encourages new students to participate in student organizations on campus that open the way to student leadership opportunities. SIRRC’s G.U.I.D.E.S. (Guiding Under-represented Individuals in Developing Educational Success) Mentorship Program connects high school students with SIRRC mentors to develop student leaders and encourage academic success. SIRCC members strive to help improve the lives of under-represented, under-privileged, low-income students. Often they are the first in their families to go to college. As such, in a real sense they’re the promise of the future for both their families and their communities.
First Meeting of 2015
Speaking of the future that SIRRC embodies, at the end of this past year a former SIRRC member, Ximena Arceo posted this on the SIRRC Facebook site. It’s emblematic of the generous spirit that guides students participating in SIRRC.
“This might seem out of the blue but I am offering free chem tutoring to any and all SIRRC folks b/c my SIRRC experience has been formative for me as a WoC. I have found myself with an inordinate amount of free time at the end of the quarter and want to do something useful with it. I know Chem classes can be difficult, in particular for students from under-resourced high schools, so I am offering tutoring in Chem 1B, 1C, and 109B, and if anyone would like to join me for 109C studying that’d be great too. These are the only chem classes I’ve gotten A’s in and for those struggling with concepts, arrow-pushing mechs, or synthesis problems, perhaps my perspective and tips as a physics major could be beneficial. I hope I can help people study for these finals b/c chemistry is fun! Comment or PM me.”
SIRRC ACTIVITIES
GSO (G.U.I.D.E.S SUMMER ORIENTATION)
Recent graduate and former SIRRC Co-chair Cairo Briceno posted these encouraging words to students gearing up for GSO:
“I hope that yall are doing well this summer! I just wanted to pop-in and wish you the best of luck this week during GSO! I know that yall will do an amazing job, sad that I can’t be there or meet the new GSO students. But will send my best wishes and energy!”
SIRRC’s year begins before the first day of classes with GSO, the G.U.I.D.E.S Summer Orientation, a 5-day program that takes place in July. SIRRC invites students from local high schools to participate. They are paired with a SIRRC mentor who has proven leadership skills. They will continue to work with this mentor when they start classes in fall. During the school year, the mentor will serve as a resource and support and spend at least 5 hours per week with their mentee.
GSO provides a comprehensive introduction to UCSB and it’s resources. It’s also a lot of fun. Here’s what just the first two days of the program looked like:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN OR SIRRC GOES TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH
With Halloween just around the corner SIRRC sent out an invitation to get pumpkins at the Lane Farms pumpkin patch in Goleta.
MILLION STUDENT MARCH
SIRRC fully supported the Million Student March who’s three primary demands were:
Tuition-free public college
Cancelation of all student loan debt
$15 minimum wage for all campus workers
SIRRC GAME NIGHT
In November SIRRC hosted a game night to bring folks together for some bonding time. They played a variety of games throughout the night. There were board games, Wii, Cards Against Humanity, and many other games as well. A good time was had by all.
SIRRC STUDY JAMS
Each quarter SIRRC hosts study jams for the students they mentor. Blue books, scantrons, and snacks are provided. SIRRC mentors are available to support each other and make sure their mentees are as prepared for their exams as they can be!
SIRRC GOES ICE SKATING
SIRRC mentors and mentees also prepared for finals with a little R & R at the new Ice Paradise in Goleta. We’re talkin’ a seriously chill time!
SIRRC BEACH BBQ
SIRRC ended winter quarter with a beach BBQ at Goleta Beach Park. A great way to take advantage of our campus by the seas amazing location on the shore of the Pacific.
CAMP (COLLEGE ANTICIPATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM)
SIRRC brought students from San Marcos High School to campus in March for its College Anticipation Mentorship Program (CAMP), held at the AS Media Center and around campus. The day included a UCSB student panel, a workshop on Mayan hieroglyphics with Chicano Studies Professor Gerardo Aldana, and an introductory Astronomy lecture to give students a taste of what to expect at UCSB. The day ended with the BBQ at Goleta Beach.
CAMP participants from San Marcos High School
CAMP organizer and SIRRC member Juan Pedroza had these words of thanks after a successful day:
“Good evening everyone! On behalf of Lucy and I, we would like to thank everyone who helped out during CAMP. You made such an impact on the children and made the day run so smooth. Words can not express how grateful we are for the hard work yall put in.
Thank you so much!”
MORE OUTREACH FOR STUDENTS
Just after camp SIRRC was involved with another outreach event that brought 45 Pomona area high school students to campus. They also received a campus tour, student panel, and a presentation in the AS Annex.
SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN SOCIAL
What better way to spend the day than visiting a true community gem, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden! SIRRC was there with a group of students at the end of April.
SIRRC MEMBER JOSEPHINE AMPAW ELECTED AS THE 2016/17 AS STUDENT ADVOCATE GENERAL
Congratulations to Josephine. Her work with SIRRC prepared her well for this position helping students navigate UCSB academic and legal issue.
TABLING FOR SIRRC AND THE BOOK BANK
On several occasions throughout the year SIRRC members were out in front of the AS Annex to share information about the organization and invite folks to use the AS SIRRC Book Bank.
SIRRC SPRING BBQ
SIRRC last social was and end-of-year BBQ on the lawn just in front of Jalama House in Manzanita Village. The afternoon featured great food and playing games to end the year with some fun!
SIRRC AFFILIATES
SIRRC partners with several campus groups to help identify students to recruit and support them once they’re on campus. Like SIRRC, each of these groups works to build community. They include:
American Indian Student Association
SIRRC ON FACEBOOK
The SIRRC Facebook site is a great resource packed with ways to get involved in campus life, engage in being the change both locally and statewide, and excel academically. It highlighted events addressing social justice, getting out to vote, and sustainability. It also promoted healthy lifestyles by featuring workshops in cooking, meal planning, and shopping hosted by AS Food Bank and UCen Dining Services. It was also the source of most of the information in this report. Thanks to all the students who contributed to it!
SIRRC BOOK BANK
SIRRC founded and administers the AS Book Bank located in the AS Annex by Storke Tower. The books are all donated and students can check out the ones they need out for their classes with an ACCESS card. Book donations are much appreciated!
SIRRC hosted a Book Bank Open House in January.
AS AWARDS BANQUET
The annal AS Awards Banquet honors students who have gone that extra mile for AS. Award recipients are chosen by their fellow students. This year SIRRC received the Executive Officers Award for their work toward realization of the Vision 2020 Student Strategic Plan.
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