Student Life at ERC & UC San Diego

What student organizations, programs, or activities are there for my student?

Eleanor Roosevelt College has many student organizations, programs, and activities to provide students with learning and social opportunities. ERC student organizations in-clude those devoted to community service, event planning, cultural celebrations, and student government. The ERC Student Affairs staff also actively engages students with workshops on cross-cultural communication, leadership development, and international affairs.

Beyond ERC, students can contact the Center for Student Involvement office at getinolved@ucsd.edu for additional involvement opportunities. UC San Diego offers over 400 clubs, organizations, cultural groups, fraternities, sororities, and religious groups in which students can become involved.

Why should my student get involved in student organizations, leadership programs, or volunteer activities?

WHY NOT? Getting involved on campus can aid students in their academics, time management, skill development, communication, and actually liking their college experience more! Participating in university organizations or programs helps students develop skills that will aid them long after their time at UC San Diego. It can be difficult for students to manage a co-curricular commitment with classes; however, the Student Affairs Office encourages students to commit to their comfort level and try anything. There are opportunities for all interests and types!

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students at Eleanor Roosevelt College are encouraged to study abroad. Studying abroad can give students a new out-look on the world they live in and the coursework they study at ERC. The Programs Abroad Office, located in the Inter-national Center, can assist students in finding study abroad programs that meet their needs academically and finan-cially. The Academic Advising staff at ERC can work with a student to ensure they are taking classes that will aid in their progress toward graduation. The time frame of when a student can or should study abroad should be determined by the student in conjunction with academic advisors and their major department.

I volunteered teaching English every Friday at school for migrant children on the outskirts of Beijing. We were both awkward the first time I stepped in front of the blackboard. However, through a great deal of persistence, creative thinking, and large bags of candy, the nervousness faded away and my trips to the school became an experience that I and I hope they, will never forget. My role as teacher was more than giving quizzes and assigning homework. My hope is that through my trips, the students would see that there was a world outside of their small village. They would often crowd around me and ask, "What is America like? What do you think about Peking University? Have you ever been to Disneyland?". I would then tell them about the 4 th of July, the privilege of studying with the most brilliant minds in China, and my meetings with Mickey Mouse. Though I was called "Bai Lao Shi" (Teacher Paz) by my students, I also feel that after my experience, my kids were teachers, teaching me more about myself and what I value. When I first arrived after the hour and half bus trip, I mainly noticed the derelict condition of the school. However, as my trips be-came regular, the dust and dirt floors melted into the smiles and laughter of children. I realized that no matter where you go, some things always stay the same. Moreover, my experience made me gain a better appreciation of the privileges and opportunities that I have as an American. One of my students, Li You, said she loved my accent because it sounded so fresh, so confident. As an American, I have access to moder-nity and multitude of opportunities I would not have anywhere else in the world. However, I also understand that with these privileges comes a greater responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. Most importantly, my kids taught me through their happy faces and enthusiasm to learn every Friday, that one person can make a difference.
- Rowena Paz, Study Abroad, Beijing China

Read more about Study Abroad on these Student Study Abroad Blogs.

Student Life Location & Hours

Third Floor, ERC Administration Building
Weekdays 8:30-12:00; 1:00-4:30 p.m.
858-534-2237

Staff

Dean of Student Affairs
Patricia Scott

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
Pedro Scotto

Coordinator of Student Activities
Ryan Crawford

Assistant to the Dean
Lynn Koch

Programming Assistant
Mitzy Martinez

Family Guide