UC-Santa Barbara adopted the Gauchos nickname in 1936 because of the 1927 movie "The Gaucho." The name replaced the previous nickname, the Roadrunners, and was voted upon by the women of UCSB as a ...

UC Santa Barbara has experienced rumblings for a new mascot in recent years, as some see their Gaucho as a racist caricature. A raccoon has been suggested as a replacement; so far, the Gaucho remains.

UC Santa Barbara has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a recognition given to colleges and universities where Latinos comprise at least a quarter of the student body.