Friends Groups are vital support groups that provide valuable assistance in fundraising, public outreach, and other support for the University's mission. These groups have volunteer boards and committees that support specific campus units and programs. Search the groups below and contact the person listed to find out more information about membership and events!

Current Friends Groups

• Friends of the Arboretum

  Friends of the Arboretum is a friends group devoted to assisting the development and maintenance of the UCSC Arboretum gardens. All members are invited to join in the many activities offered at the Arboretum. Volunteers, acting as guides, are available throughout the year to give tours of the garden to interested botanical and garden groups and to groups of university students, schoolchildren, senior citizens, and the general public.

• Lick Observatory

  The Friends of Lick Observatory foster public participation in the Observatory community by supporting educational programs, exhibits, and the preservation of historical materials at Mt. Hamilton.

• Friends of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District

  The Friends work to restore and preserve the old lime kilns and historic buildings of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District through fundraising, coordinating volunteers, and soliciting donations of materials. The Friends bring the site's rich history to life through tours and other educational programs.

• Friends of the Dickens Project

  The Friends of the Dickens Project support programs for the general public during the The Dickens Universe. They sponsor performances and special lectures by visiting scholars, refreshments, dances, films, games, and other enriching activities.

• Friends of the Farm & Garden

  Through community education, the Friends help spread the word about the need for gardening and farming systems that are both environmentally and socially sound. The Friends sponsor gardening workshops, plant sales, and seasonal celebrations to raise funds for the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture and the Farm & Garden facilities. Apprentices learn the basics of organic farming and gardening during this six-month course.

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSC

  The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSC is a community of men and women from diverse educational, occupational, and geographic backgrounds who are devoted to the pursuit of learning. The members enjoy spirited discussion, reading, and exploring new interests. The group’s mission, beyond the social and education benefits to its membership, is to fund scholarships for UCSC re-entry students through the STARS program—Services for Transfer and Re-Entry Students.

• Friends of Long Marine Laboratory

  The Friends of Long Marine Lab, the Seymour Center's community support group, provide funding for the education programs, daily operations, and staffing of the Seymour Center, as well as supporting research programs and student research awards at Long Marine Lab.

• Opera Circle

  The mission of the UCSC Opera Circle is to build awareness and support for the Opera Program and assist in its long-term development and growth. Composed of Music faculty representatives, alumni, and members of the Santa Cruz community, the Opera Circle members share a passion for opera, a desire to support the growth and development of young artists, and a willingness to serve as advocates and proponents of the program within the university and the community at large.

• Page & Eloise Smith Society

  The Smith Renaissance Society (a merger of the Smith Scholastic Society and Renaissance Scholars) serves the college dreams of independent students who are current or former foster youth, runaways, juvenile offenders, orphans, or homeless youths.

• UCSC Affiliates

  The UCSC Affiliates work to provide a cultural and academic bridge between the University and community.

• UCSC Women's Club

  Are you interested in meeting new acquaintances and sharing activities and ideas with others? How about enriching your mind, learning more about UCSC, or helping students achieve their goals? The UCSC Women's Club offers you these opportunities and more!