As a public university, UC Davis is governed by the same laws as any government body. That means that all members of our community enjoy the protections of the First Amendment. This freedom is essential, but it also has the potential to offend and even to hurt.
While the university cannot restrict these liberties, we offer many services to help students cope with the discomfort that the free and open exchange of ideas can bring. This section lists a series of resources where you can go to find support.
Confidential Resources
Counseling Services
Counseling Services is a multi-culturally and educationally diverse group of psychologists, social workers, therapists and doctoral trainees. Mental health providers at Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) offer confidential counseling and are not required to report incidents of sexual violence to the university. For same-day access to a confidential mental health provider, please call 530-752-2349 and ask to speak with a mental health professional.
Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education (Students, faculty and staff)
The UC Davis Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE): Advocacy Office for Sexual and Gender-based Violence and Sexual Misconduct (formerly known as Campus Violence Prevention Program [CVPP]) is an on-campus, confidential resource for all students, staff and faculty who have experienced any form of sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic/dating violence and stalking. We provide 24/7 emergency response, crisis intervention, and support services for survivors. Additionally, we offer support and guidance to family members, friends and other persons concerned for the survivor.
Ombuds Office (Students, faculty and staff)
The UC Davis Ombuds Office is a confidential, independent, impartial and informal problem-solving and conflict management resource for all members of the UC Davis campus community. We invite students, staff and faculty, with university-related issues and concerns, to visit our office.
Ombuds can assist by listening, clarifying issues, identifying polices and resources, and by providing coaching and communication strategies. The Ombuds Office is not authorized to accept notice of claims against the University of California, Davis. Discussions with the Ombuds Office do not create a record, nor do they begin a formal process. The Ombuds Office will keep conversations confidential unless imminent harm or danger is present.
Academic and Staff Assistance Program (Faculty and staff only)
The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers confidential, cost-free assessment, intervention, consultation and referral services to all UC Davis faculty and staff as well as their immediate families. Whether the problem is work-related or personal, administrative or individual, career or relationship focused, our experienced staff can assist you in recognizing and resolving the problem. When additional resources are needed, we can refer you to the appropriate services in your community. If you are concerned about a colleague, co-worker, friend, subordinate or work group, we can help you. Our goal is to help at the earliest possible moment.
Additional Resources
AB540 and Undocumented Student Center
Built on the foundation of educational equity and opportunity, the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center at UC Davis strives to empower undocumented students, their families and members of the community in being informed leaders and active participants in our communities. The center strives to educate and build awareness of changing policies affecting California's undocumented population. One of the most important responsibilities our center has is to serve as an educational resource to our campus and community. It is with our sincerest hope that by offering workshops, ally trainings and symposia, we will not only be sharing information, but providing a space for important dialogue and learning on topics related to immigration and education.
Center for African Diaspora Student Success
The Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADSS) is intensively focused on the retention, persistence and graduation of all undergraduate students of the African diaspora at the University of California, Davis. Through data-driven decision-making and collective and individual student experiences, we seek to understand and improve policies and practices that lead to academic excellence. In the center we offer networking opportunities, mentoring by faculty and cultural resources as well as a safe space for students.
Cross Cultural Center
The Cross Cultural Center (CCC) is a student-centered safe space that works in collaboration with a team of students, professionals, student organizations and community partners. We provide interactive programs and develop spaces for meaningful dialogues for all people and implement programs and services that foster a sense of community and student retention. As a community center, we strive to contribute to a campus community that is free of sexism, racism, homophobia, ageism, xenophobia or any form of oppression and values the history and triumphs of underrepresented, marginalized and underserved communities. We invite you to come study in the center, volunteer for various opportunities and/or take advantage of all we have to offer.
Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success
The Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success (CCLASS) is dedicated to the persistence, retention and graduation of Chicanx and Latinx students at the University of California, Davis. We are an office committed to supporting students academically and personally. We provide a familia-based environment for students to feel connected with their identities. We empower students by providing opportunities for professional and academic development.
Center for Student Involvement
The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is the campus department through which groups register as a student organization at UC Davis. We are here to help groups operate successfully on campus and to support the educational experience that organizations provide for student members—as well as the entire campus community. Each year thousands of important programs and services are offered by student organizations at UC Davis. Student organizations play an integral role in the quality of the campus environment and the educational process for students, faculty, staff and the community at large.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center (LGBTQIARC) provides an open, safe, inclusive space and community that is committed to challenging sexism, genderism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism. We recognize that this work requires a continuing process of understanding and addressing all forms of oppression. We are committed to this process both in our work and in the structure of the center itself. The LGBTQIARC promotes education about all sexes, genders and sexualities, as well as space for self-exploration of these identities. The LGBTQIARC is a dynamic, responsive and collaborative organization that serves UC Davis and the surrounding region by providing a growing spectrum of programs, resources, outreach and advocacy. Inherent in this mission are the values of respect, pride and unity for all individuals.
Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian Student Resources
The Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) Student Resources is a unit which falls under the Community Resource and Retention Centers umbrella. These centers provide resources, programs, and opportunities to students to help them develop personally and professionally.
Native American Academic Student Success Center
The Native American Academic Student Success Center (NAASSC) is focused on creating a sense of belonging for Native American students in a culturally appropriate way. Our community includes students, staff, faculty and alumni from a wide variety of tribal backgrounds, experiences and academic interests. At the center, you can connect with UC Davis resources that enhance your academic success, learn about culturally relevant activities and create a support network with other students who identify as Native American.
Office of Campus Dialogue and Deliberation
The Office of Campus Dialogue and Deliberation (CDD) seeks to strengthen UC Davis as a civic-minded campus. CDD aims to support, create, convene, design and facilitate civic engagement regarding issues that are important to the UC Davis community. It also aims to be an active participant in resolving group conflicts and disputes. Moreover, the office educates the members of the community about dialogue and deliberation and provides useful resources about these topics. CDD works with campus partners such as Student Affairs, the Academic Senate, ASUCD, Staff Assembly and more to accomplish these goals.
Services for International Students and Scholars
Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) assists incoming and current international students and scholars, and their families, with visa and immigration issues while they are at UC Davis. In addition to preparing the necessary documents to apply for a U.S. visa, SISS assists international students and scholars in maintaining their legal status while in the United States. SISS also provides orientation, assistance, information and referral regarding financial, personal, cultural and academic concerns to international students, faculty and researchers. The mission of SISS is to promote the internationalization of the UC Davis campus through immigration services, advocacy and programs that welcome and support international students and scholars in finding community in Davis.
Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative
The Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative (SAandPIRI) is dedicated to the academic, personal and professional success of all UC Davis students who identify with the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Through collaborative efforts with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and other community partners, the AandPI Retention Initiative seeks to create a support network for all students at UC Davis.
Student Recruitment and Retention Center
The Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC) stands for educational equity. Our student-initiated and student-run programs foster holistic academic and personal development while raising political and cultural awareness. We aim to empower students to act as dynamic leaders for their communities. We accept the challenge of creating a society that provides a quality, culturally sensitive and comprehensive education for students of all backgrounds. Furthermore, we are dedicated to creating an environment of collective action that will work to ensure the perpetuity of academic achievement among future generations. Our values are community, advocacy, knowledge, equity and support.
Women's Resources and Research Center
The Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC) promotes social change toward gender equity by utilizing an intersectional, feminist approach to empower communities. The WRRC offers leadership programs, trainings and coalition building opportunities with a holistic focus on students' learning, growth and success that engage the campus community in addressing sexism, genderism, cisgenderism and other intersectional systems of oppression. Students, faculty and staff can visit the WRRC to learn about gender equity, to connect with community and to find resources and support. People of all genders are welcomed at the WRRC.
Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs
Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs (OSSJA) staff serves as a resource for informal resolution of student grievances. OSSJA provides information, advice and referrals regarding student rights and grievances, including concerns such as arbitrary treatment, free expression, privacy, discrimination and sexual harassment. OSSJA seeks to protect student rights and mediation skills, and promote a climate of fairness, civility, mutual respect and positive communication on campus.
Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (Students, faculty and staff)
The Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP) at UC Davis supports the university's commitment to a discrimination-free work and learning environment by:
- Preventing harassment and discrimination from occurring at UC Davis through education
- Assisting individuals and campus units to resolve conflicts and complaints related to harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence and hate and bias
- Serving as the central office for receiving reports and maintaining records of these types of complaints