It is classified as an "unincorporated association" by the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts.

"[5] ASUCSB derives its authority from section 61.10-15 of the "Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students" of the University of California.

The operations and policies of the organization are dictated by a set of by-laws called the Associated Students Legal Code.

KCSB is known for being the starting point of the careers of Jim Rome, Sean Hannity, and Jeffrey Peterson.

[8][9] Through its Boards, Committees, and Commissions, it has funded and operated campus services such as emergency loans, bike path improvements, and coastal redevelopment.