ABOUT US

 

Overview

 

The University Cooperative Housing Association (UCHA) provides reasonable-cost housing to qualified students, visiting scholars and faculty of UCLA and other educational institutions. The Co-op owes its success to many generations of students who have worked together and contributed to the continuation of this unique housing organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                

 

Mission

 

The University Cooperative Housing Association (UCHA) provides reasonable-cost housing to qualified students, visiting scholars and faculty of UCLA and other educational institutions. We are located just two blocks from campus and have been serving the UCHA community for over sixty years.

 

The Co-op offers an exceptional opportunity to meet students from the United States and all over the world and become involved in community and university activities. We are an independent organization run by and for the students who live here. We rely on the participation of our membership to make this a successful alternative to high-cost apartments, residence halls, fraternities and sororities.

 

                                                                                                                

 

History

 

UCHA was established in 1936 to provide reasonable-cost housing for those who might not be able to afford other alternatives while attending UCLA. The Co-op owes its success to many generations of students who have worked together and contributed to the continuation of this unique housing organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                     

 

Government

Once you become a Co-op member, youÕll have full voting privileges on membership matters. The Co-op is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of students who are elected by the membership. The Board, along with the Executive Director and staff members, makes policy decisions and plans for the Co-opÕs long-term financial health. The membership Committee (Mem-Com) is another elected body at UCHA. Mem-com oversees the procedural aspects of the cooperative such as membership status, member-related issues, elections, and parking. After residing at the Co-op for just one year you can serve on either of these elected bodies. There is a sense of pride here at the Co-op because not only do we own the place we live in, we also share in the responsibility of running it.

House meetings are held each quarter to elect officers of the Co-op and address various issues that may arise or are of concern for you. Member participation is greatly appreciated.

 

                                                                                                                

 

 

Official  Bodies

 

Co-op Judiciary (Mem-Com)

The co-op has a judicial body known as Mem-Com designed to address a variety of issues. Ex: roommate disputes, fine appeals, expulsions, bump / parking related questions/issues, Grace quarter requests. When summoned, attendance is required, and if you are unable to do so, you need to either contact the officials personally or drop a note in the Mem-Com box and request a change in appointment. Failure to do this could result in a judgment against you (i.e. fine, expulsion, etc). Their weekly agenda is posted in the HHH lobby.

 

Board of Directors

The Board (i.e. BOD) serves as the governing body of the Association. The Board approves the budget presented by the Executive Director and passes the various rules of the UCHA. In addition this body, among others, presides over matters relating to work deficiencies and expulsion appeals. The Board meets weekly and their agenda is also posted in the bulletin board in the HHH lobby. Members are welcome to attend both meetings or show-up at memberÕs time to voice specific concerns, ask questions or make proposals pertaining to this body.

 

Co-op Staff / Management

The management consists of the Board of Directors, Mem-Com (i.e. the judiciary), full-time employees and crew chiefs, all of who are responsible for different aspects of work at UCHA. While the UCHA Board of Directors is the governing body of the UCHA, and the Executive Director manages the day-to-day affairs of the organization, the Co-op is run collectively. Should a member have any questions/concerns regarding any aspect of the operation, he/she ought first to approach those directly in charge of the activity concerned before any appeals to the upper management are made (see postings in the front office window for a list of UCHA officials).

 

UCHA MemberÕs may compete for various elected and appointed positions. Please check for eligibility requirements with the front office or read the Co-op news for openings as they occur.