Sydney Bivins

Hello Gauchos! My name is Sydney Bivins, and I’m running to be YOUR 2025-26 Student Advocate General.

I have two years of experience working in the Office of the Student Advocate (OSA), serving in three separate roles. As an Academic & Financial Caseworker, I met one-on-one with your fellow students about their concerns with University processes, such as alleged conduct violations, grade appeals, grievances, etc. In my role as Internal Chief of Staff, I continued advising students, managed five caseworkers, and rebuilt office infrastructure. As the current Head of Staff of OSA, I’ve hired, trained, and managed ten caseworkers, led staff meetings, and assisted the current SAG with projects.

Throughout my time in OSA, I’ve also built strong professional relationships with several University offices, including the Office of Student Conduct, Housing (Residential & Community Living), Title IX, Office of the Registrar, Disabled Students Program, etc. In the past two years, we have:
1) Partnered with the Title IX Office to serve as trained Advisors through the hearing process
2) Successfully pushed for more transparent practices within the Student Conduct judicial process
3) Implemented the Meal Swipe Rollover Program
4) Developed the GoGacho app through our Technology Subcommittee
5) Hosted an AI & Conduct Panel in collaboration with the Office of Student Conduct and Office of Teaching & Learning

As your Student Advocate General, I plan to continue this work:
EDUCATING the student body on their rights within the University through casework, events, and outreach,
DEMANDING additional transparency from the University, and
ESTABLISHING stronger safety nets for vulnerable populations, including disabled students, undocumented scholars, those dealing with housing insecurity, etc.

You deserve to have your rights protected by a Student Advocate General with experience. Vote SYDNEY BIVINS as your #1 choice for SAG! For any questions or concerns, reach out to me: sydneybivins@ucsb.edu.