The USCA Defense Center is your gateway to a network of important information, support, and referrals for people who are involved with or interested in the University Students Cooperative Association (USCA) or its cooperatives. Resources include current and former USCA members, community members, various organizations, and other concerned supporters of tenants' rights and community improvement. The network serves a diverse group of people that includes past, present, and prospective Berkeley residents, landlords, USCA members and employees, Cal parents, and others. Issues are varied and include public and private nuisance, poor property management, peaceful enjoyment, academic performance, member participation, and health concerns.
The USCA advertises the following:
Sounds great, doesn't it? But there are problems in
this cooperative paradise. The USCA
often falls short of its democratic, cooperative ideals, more closely
resembling an oligarchy or subtle
dictatorship guided by corruptionists. At times its housing
has been perceived as a blight on the surrounding community. Certain long-term
employees at the central level have hijacked the USCA political structure,
and often manipulate it to their advantage at the expense of the members.
As a consequence, the rights and privileges of individual members are
marginalized.
 |
Raise community awareness of USCA issues |
|
|
Empower and organize individuals living around and within the cooperatives of the USCA to improve their living experiences, and to safeguard and assert their rights and privileges by networking with one another and the the larger community |
|
|
Promote effectual solutions and compensation for current and former community or USCA members who have been adversely affected by the USCA |
|
|
End the peculiar legal exemptions that undermine the tenant rights of USCA residents |
|
|
Pressure the USCA to adhere to its cooperative ideals and to promote good relations with its members and the surrounding community |
Your participation is important! Please visit the Public Forum, where you can find important information, make suggestions, discuss what you know to raise community awareness, and provide helpful information or assistance to others.
In addition to regular services, you may be eligible for compensation from future legal actions against the USCA, such as a class-action suit. Please contact the Support Staff for more information.