UC Santa Cruz, Porter College campus life

Student Programs

Porter College offers programs and spaces that support learning, creativity, and community beyond the classroom. These opportunities help students grow academically, build connections, and develop skills for success.

UC Santa Cruz, Porter College wall mural

Porter College Mural Program

The Porter Mural Program invites students to create large-scale public artworks that reflect their creativity, identities, and experiences. These murals contribute to the vibrant artistic landscape of the college and foster community dialogue through visual expression.

Porter Archives Photo

Mary Porter Senson Art Gallery

Located at Porter College, the Sesnon Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions, interdisciplinary programs, and student work. It serves as a hub for creative exploration and critical conversation, connecting campus and community through the visual arts.

Student Senate

The Porter Student Senate represents Porter students on all levels. It shares student government duties with the Student Union Assembly (SUA) and the UC system wide University of California Student Association (UCSA). Working through a number of committees, the Senate seeks to improve the quality of living and to organize events to enhance the sense of community at Porter College. The Senate sponsors such programs as Music on the Quad, political forums, dances, and art shows. Porter Student Senate is also a major funding body for Porter student projects. Your College Membership Fees and the college endowment provide the funding for Porter students, so come find out what’s going on with your money. Meetings are held Thursdays evenings in the Fireside Lounge. Please check the Porter Calendar of Events for current meeting time.

In order for Senate to be effective, the involvement of a concerned student body is imperative. All new Porter students are voting senators, until they miss one meeting. Any registered Porter student may attain the title of Senator by attending two consecutive meetings of the Senate. Voting rights commence at the third meeting. All visitors have speaking rights. The chair of the Senate is elected at a college-wide town-hall election each quarter. Minutes and other postings are in the display case at the head of the Dining Hall stairs or available on this website. Copies of the Constitution of the Students of Porter College and other information about the Senate is available in D-143, call 459-2857, and on this website.


Queer Fashion Show

Queer Fashion Show is a variety show filled with song, dance, spoken word, and, of course, FASHION! Please contact the Activities Office at 459-2857 for more information.


Porter College Communities

All members of the Porter community are invited to join any college committee. Current committees include Activities, College Life, Murals, Porter Palooza, and Commencement. To join or for information, contact James Blaine or Porter Activities at 459-2857.

Last modified: Aug 06, 2025