Associated Students

As a CSU, Chico student, you are a member of the Associated Students (AS)-one of the largest non-profit organizations in Northern California. The AS is responsible for operating the Chico State Wildcat Store, Dining Services, and a wide variety of co-curricular programs to enrich the student experience at the University. 

The AS also plays a significant role in the economic, social, service, and cultural life of the Chico community.  While the AS is an independent student organization it serves as an auxiliary to the University. AS programs complement the educational mission by offering out-of-classroom learning experiences. In addition, academic credit is available for participation in select AS programs. 

The Associated Students employs over 1,000 students per year. For more information, call 530-898-4385 or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/hr/studentemployment.  

Information Center - Contact the University Information Center in the Chico State Wildcat Store or call 530-898-INFO (4636) for campus information and referrals. This center is your first stop for help with any questions pertaining to student life on campus.

Students make the difference

The AS' relationship with the Chico student body is unparalleled in the California State University system. The AS does not receive state funding; students allocate the income from two separate fees paid during registration (Student Union Fee and Activity Fee) to operate AS programs and services. Students govern the corporation through the AS Board of Directors (BOD), whose members include elected students, and university administrators. Together, they set goals and policies and are responsible for a budget exceeding $28 million (a full-time professional staff of 121, and 700-1,100 student employees. 

Student Government

Becoming a member of an AS Board, council, or committee offers you practical experience in organizational decision-making and the personal satisfaction of knowing that you really can make a difference. Talk to a student officer in the AS Government Office, Bell Memorial Union, Room 203, or call 530-898-5701 to find out more. Additional information can be found on our website at http://www.aschico.com/studentgovernment.

Three committees establish the operating budgets and program policies for the AS:

  • Bell Memorial Union Committee (BMUC) oversees and plans the programs and services of the Bell Memorial Union (BMU).


  • Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is an elected student committee that is the core of student advocacy at the University level.

  • Associated Students Businesses Committee (ASBC) oversees the operations of the AS Bookstore and Dining Services.

Recreation and Entertainment

The Associated Students also provides entertainment and recreation opportunities for the campus community.

  • Adventure Outings (AO) is an outdoor recreation program. Outings are planned for each season and include snow trips, white-water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, surfing, and more. AO also operates the Bike Cart which provides convenient bike repair service on campus and hosts a used bike auction every semester. For more information, call 530-898-4011, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/adventureoutings.

  • Big Cat Productions offers a variety of concerts, jazz ensembles, dance performances, comedians, feature films, and guest lecturers throughout the school year. For more information, call 530-898-6005 or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/bigcatproductions.  

  • Wildcat Recreation Center (WREC) is a full-service recreation facility featuring three full-court gymnasiums, a multi-activity court, indoor running track, weight and fitness areas, outdoor pool and spa, four exercise rooms, indoor climbing wall, and the University's Recreational Sports program. For more information, call 530-898-3367, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/wrec.

Learn While Doing
The AS has an academic affiliation with the University and provides student volunteers with the opportunity to earn university credit. All of our programs offer a variety of credit bearing internships.

  • AS Child Development Lab is the early childhood teaching/learning laboratory for CSU, Chico. The CDL is an accredited early education and care program for student-parents, staff, faculty and the community. For more information, call 530-898-5865, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/cdl.

  • AS Recycling Program provides the campus with comprehensive recycling services for a wide variety of materials. The AS Recycling Program was founded by students in May 1996 and has expanded to include internships that focus on educational outreach in the areas of waste reduction and sustainability. For more information, call 530-898-5033, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/recycle.

  • Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE) is a nationally recognized volunteer organization. Approximately 80 student staff administer 15 programs that provide volunteer services to children, elderly, special populations, adult non-readers, and other community agencies and state facilities. For more information, call 530-898-5817, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/cave.

  • Community Legal Information Center (CLIC) is a student-run center that offers free legal information. Its diverse programs include the Chico Consumer Protection Agency, Disabled and the Law, Environmental Advocates, Women's Law, and the Worker's Rights Project. For more information, call 530-898-4354, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/clic. 

  • Environmental Action and Resource Center (E-ARC) provides a comprehensive environmental research and resource library for students, faculty, and the community. For more information, call 530-898-5676, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/earc. 

  • KCSC Radio is CSU, Chico's student-owned and operated Internet station. KCSC interns learn the fundamentals of radio operations through on-air experience, production, and promotion. For more information, call 530-898-6229 or visit our website at http://www.kcscradio.com. 

  • AS Sustainability implements sustainable practices in the AS departments; offers internships, paid staff positions, and volunteer opportunities promoting eco-awareness on campus and in the community through education and outreach on sustainability-related issues. For more information, call 530-898-6677, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/sustainability. 

  • Gender and Sexuality Equity Center (GSEC) strives to empower all students through its two programs: the Women's Program and the LGBTQ Program. The GSEC challenges societal norms that have been used to oppress and marginalize by providing opportunities for leadership, personal development, and referral services in a safe and inclusive space.For more information, call 530-898-5724, or visit our website at http://www.aschico.com/gsec.