The United Council of UW Students (UC), is a statewide advocacy and organizing non-profit, and was established in 1960 to represent all students of the UW System and advocate for them on issues of higher education pertaining to value, quality, and the student experience.

United Council has focused on issues such as tuition, financial aid, recruitment and retention of students underrepresented on campus, and student rights.  A cornerstone of the organization’s work includes educating students, other members of campuses, and the greater community on issues relevant to postsecondary education, developing and training student leaders, and organizing students around student issues.  United Council also provides a collective voice for students in state government, the Board of Regends, and other state boards and commissions.

UC serves students through:

• Advocacy: United Council lobbies the Wisconsin Legislature on issues researched and prioritized by the Board of Directors and students around the state. We build relationships and work with the Board of Regents and Campus Administration  ensure that students’ voices are heard at the statewide university level. United Council students and staff also work with the United States Student Association to make sure Wisconsin students’ interests and needs are represented at the federal level.
• Organizing: United Council’s legislative strategy relies upon direct organizing with students on campuses throughout the state.  UC visits campuses to assist student governments in creating and crafting local campaigns and to provide grassroots organizing training to the larger student body.  In accordance with strategies and tactics selected by its Student Board, United Council also creates statewide student campaigns that target decision-makers both inside and outside campus districts.
• Direct Services: UC supplies students with materials, field packets, formal publications, and relevant training to effectively campaign on priority issues and student vote.  We also provide research on both statewide and campus-by-campus issues regarding a wide array of issues, particularly regarding the need of underrepresented students. UC responds to a wide range of student requests by regularly visiting campuses to assist students with campaigns and events. We establish on-going communication with student leaders to be at the forefront of attacks on students’ rights such as the student fee and the right to a quality and accessible post secondary education.
• Training & Leadership Development: United Council hosts several region-wide conferences for students at low-cost prices.  Throughout the year, we give on-campus grassroots organizing and issue trainings for student governments, student groups, and intern volunteers. We also work on an individual basis with involved students to develop their skills.  In addition, students can participate in internship and development programs.