"[7] The Association is not a public agency, but its leadership is composed of representatives of UC student governments, which are "official units of the University" system (with one exception).

[9][10] UCSA representatives have opposed education funding cuts[11][12] and increases in student fees[13][14][15] and supported affirmative action in enrollment policies.

[17] In April 2016, UCSA called for the removal of then-chancellor of UC Davis, Linda Katehi.

However, UCSA generally requires each student government to pay dues to maintain voting rights on the board.

The committee then recommends a nominee to the full board of University of California Regents.