Student Union Governance Board

“Students serving on the SUGB are making decisions based not on our own interests, but in those of the student body. We take our time thoroughly deliberating what we are working on before we consider making decisions...” 

-Clarissa Molina, SUGB Board Chair

In 2017, the student body voted to designate the Student Union, Redwood Building and Student Media Press Center as the Student Governed Spaces (SGS). The same measure established the Student Union Governance Board (SUGB) as the leadership body that governs these spaces.

“SUGB advocates for students by connecting across campus and using student funds to finance resources and programs. We are by and for students.” -Megan Amiya, SUGB Chair

• The Student Union offers study, event, and meeting spaces for all students. With student leadership, the Union has become a place where all students are welcome to rest, study, meet, organize and build community. Resources include computers, a printer, copier, games, pool table, and reservable meeting spaces.
• The Student Media Press Center is designed for student media organizations to gather and create publications and productions that support student voice. Students collectively manage the center’s state-of-the art technology, workshops by alumni and peer-to-peer media trainings.
• The Redwood Building is home to the Bike Co-op and engaging education (e2), a student-initiated, student-led retention and outreach organization. The Redwood Lounge is one of the few spaces on campus where student organizations can host large community events for free.

The SUGB works democratically to create building space that are student-centered, where students can be safe, purposeful, comfortable, and supported. For example, in the midst of COVID the SUGB initiated the Students Addressing Safety & Sustainability (SASS) campaign to protect students from illnesses as well as strengthening sustainable practices. Students researched motion-detector faucets and toilets as improvements that could reduce water usage and the transmission of disease through touch. Campus policies did not support motion-detector equipment, but after dedicated research and advocacy, the SUGB was able to lead the way in upgrading six restrooms for students.

The SUGB also creates programs that address student needs and interests. For example, to address food injustice, the SUGB established a quarterly Finals Breakfasts where all students are invited to the Student Union for a free and healthy breakfast. In 2022, the SUGB organized the first campus Food Truck festival. The event included a variety of ethnic food vendors and SUGB vouchers so students would get the free lunch of their choice.

Future Planning

Operating and maintaining three buildings is a complex and extensive responsibility. Whether the project is a new development or maintenance, the SUGB is responsible for managing its budget to have funds on hand to keep the buildings accessible, safe, and supportive. Projects can range from costly roof replacements ($112K) to increasing safety through better lighting ($33K), refinishing floors ($10K), and replacing furniture ($73K). The SUGB also budgets for the unexpected costs that go with managing older buildings. For example, during the renovation of the e2 office asbestos was discovered. Thanks to its budgeting practices, the SUGB was able to quickly approve the additional $11,000 cost and reopen the office for students on schedule.

One of the next major projects of the SUGB is the restructuring of the Redwood Lounge. This central and beautiful space has walls that open to a patio, overlooking the Quarry Plaza. The SUGB is working with Physical Plant Services and an alumni architect to redesign the walls to improve structural integrity and elevate this space to one that all students can be proud of ($250K).