American Indian Resource Center (AIRC)

Our Mission Statement

The AIRC is dedicated to supporting the needs of American Indian students and increasing Native visibility on campus by hosting student-centered programs, cultural events and providing tools for academic success and personal well-being. The center is a vital link between American Indian students, the University, and tribal communities that fosters growth through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and scholarly development.

The AIRC's objectives are as follows:

To promote the value of a college education for American Indians.
To serve as a supportive space for students as they transition from home to campus life.
To center Indigenous knowledge and practices in our activities and help preserve the culture and heritage of American Indian students.
To serve as a liaison between Native communities and the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) works in collaboration with other resource centers, faculty, staff, students, and organizations such as the Student Alliance of North American Indians (SANAI), the People of Color Sustainability Collective PoCSC), and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of California Indians, as well as the indigenous tribal community leaders of the region to develop co-curricular programming, cultural activities, and events that assist public understanding of Native Peoples. Invested in creating a campus climate that supports all students, the center provides leadership development, internship opportunities, mentoring, and personal and academic advising. AIRC is located on the third floor of the Bay Tree Building in Quarry Plaza, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (831) 459-2881, email airc@ucsc.edu, or visit the AIRC website.