I. Introduction

The Handbook outlines policies and procedures that govern graduate education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. It is intended for use by Faculty Graduate Representatives, Staff Graduate Representatives, and graduate students. If more information is needed, please consult the additional resources available at the Graduate Division web site. The University of California separates policy and authority (Graduate Council) from administrative procedure and practice (Graduate Division), but the two are closely linked through the delegation of certain duties to the Graduate Dean. The Dean in turn delegates some authority to departments and Faculty and/or Staff Graduate Representatives. The goals of graduate education are thus met through close cooperation among the Graduate Council, the Graduate Division, department, and Faculty and/or Staff Graduate Representatives.

• The UCSC Principles of Community
• Nondiscrimination Statement
• Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act
• The UCSC Graduate Division Mission Statement

The UCSC Principles of Community

The University of California, Santa Cruz is committed to promoting and protecting an environment that values and supports every person in an atmosphere of civility, honesty, cooperation, professionalism and fairness.

UC Santa Cruz expects that every campus member will practice these Principles of Community.

We strive to be:

• Diverse: We embrace diversity in all its forms and we strive for an inclusive community that fosters an open, enlightened and productive environment.
• Open: We believe free exchange of ideas requires mutual respect and consideration for our differences.
• Purposeful: We are a participatory community united by shared commitments to: service to society; preservation and advancement of knowledge; and innovative teaching and learning.  
• Caring: We promote mutual respect, trust and support to foster bonds that strengthen the community.
• Just: We are committed to due process, respect for individual dignity and equitable access to resources, recognition and rewards.
• Disciplined: We seek to advance common goals through reasonable and realistic practices, procedures and expectations.
• Celebrative: We celebrate the heritage, achievements and diversity of the community and the uniqueness and contributions of our members.

We accept the responsibility to pursue these principles in an atmosphere of personal and intellectual freedom, security, respect, civility and mutual support.

UC Santa Cruz is committed to enforcement of policies that promote the fulfillment of our principles of community. These policies include but are not limited to: University of California Personnel Policies for Staff Members; applicable University Collective Bargaining Agreements; Academic Personnel Manual O15-University of California Policy on Faculty Conduct and the Administration of Discipline; UC Santa Cruz Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline; UC Santa Cruz Policy on Sexual Assault and UC Policy on Sexual Harassment; UC Santa Cruz Hate Bias Incident Policy. For further information or inquiries, contact the Directors of Academic Personnel and Staff Human Resources; Director of EEO/Affirmative Action Office; Director, Student Judicial Affairs; Title IX Officer; and Campus Ombudsman.

The UC Santa Cruz Principles of Community statement was developed under the aegis of the Campus Welfare Committee, with broad campus consultation, and was endorsed by the Provost’s Advisory Council and the Chancellor in June 2001.

Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy Statement

The University of California prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer‐ related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, status as a protected veteran or service in the uniformed services.

University policy prohibits retaliation against any employee or person seeking employment for bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment. University policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who assists someone with a complaint of discrimination or harassment, or participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related to employment.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws.

Inquiries regarding the University’s student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Dean of Students Office, 831-459-4446, or by e-mail at deanofstudents@ucsc.edu.

Inquiries regarding the University’s affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and nondiscrimination policies for employment may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, odei@ucsc.edu. 

Inquiries regarding the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, the UC Santa Cruz Procedures on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment and/or violations of Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Officer, 105 Clark Kerr Hall, 831-459-2462, or by e-mail at titleix@ucsc.edu.

For more information about reporting options and resources related to sexual violence (sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking) please visit the Center for Advocacy, Resources and Empowerment (CARE) website.

Inquiries regarding Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act may be addressed to the director, Disability Resource Center.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act

In compliance with the federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, UCSC publishes information on campus security and crime statistics. A publication containing this information is published annually and made available to all students and UCSC employees. The publication is posted on the UCSC Police Department web site: www2.ucsc.edu/police.

The UCSC Graduate Division Mission Statement

The Graduate Division’s mission is to attract, recruit,  retain, and graduate an outstanding cohort of highly qualified and diverse graduate students, and provide a world class educational experience that prepares them for successful careers.

In cooperation with UCSC faculty, students, and staff, the Graduate Division:

• implements academic preparation and recruiting programs to achieve a highly qualified and diverse student body reflective of the State of California and the greater academic community;
• provides information about and admission to all UCSC graduate programs;
• administers graduate standards of scholarship and policy as defined by the University of California and the Graduate Council of the UCSC Academic Senate;
• encourages the development and success of students through workshops, training activities, counseling, and initiatives which promote timely degree completion;
• seeks and administers internal and external funding opportunities for students and programs;
• participates in the development and review of new and current graduate academic programs;
• supports departmental initiatives to advise, train, and place UCSC graduate students in academic and professional positions.

The Graduate Division is committed to excellence in quality, diversity, and intellectual innovations in UCSC graduate education.

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