Climate & Belonging

The Office of Opportunity and Outreach Climate and Belonging unit is charged with nurturing a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for all at UCSF. Led by Associate Vice Chancellor of Climate and Belonging Eddy Ruiz, PhD, core areas of work include community resource centers, climate survey and action planning, affiliated committee engagement, and community education and dialogue. Under the leadership of Executive Director Lina Mendez, PhD, the Resource Centers for Climate and Belonging serve the entire UCSF community. In partnership with UCSF leadership employee and student groups, the centers offer a wide range of events, resources, and programs.

Resources and Services

Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) Program provides free, confidential support to any UCSF affiliate, including learners, staff, and faculty who have experienced interpersonal violence, sexual assault, dating/intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, or stalking.

Community Engagement and Dialogue delivers a range of educational and training opportunities aimed at increasing understanding, compassion, and excellence among UCSF community members.

Disability Resource Center serves as a dedicated space for students, staff, and faculty, to explore and celebrate disability identity and culture. The center, led by Assistant Director Cecile Puretz, provides educational programs and events that promote diverse perspectives on disability and a sense of belonging for all.

Jewish Life Resource Center seeks to create understanding and support for the UCSF Jewish community and allies through educational opportunities and special events.

LGBTQ Resource Center sustains visibility and a sense of community throughout the campus and medical center, building workplace equity, promoting student and staff leadership, and providing high quality, culturally sensitive care to our patients. The center is led by Assistant Director Tracy Garcia.

Multicultural Resource Center aims to achieve transformational change in physical and intellectual environments by honoring the experiences of all members of UCSF, and by supporting and building multicultural communities.

Police Accountability Board promotes accountability, trust, safety, and transparency within the UCSF community and the UCSF Police Department (UCSF PD). Its primary objective is to independently review complaint investigation reports and offer recommendations to the Chief of Police regarding civilian grievances concerning the behavior of sworn UCSF police officers.

Undocumented Student Support Services provides resources for current and prospective students, faculty,vstaff, allies, and all members of our academic community. Coordinator Jasmin Siguenza hosts engagement and informational events including community circles and rights education sessions.