Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students
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.
How diverse is the UCSC Student Community?
UCSC is very diverse when compared to other higher education institutions in the nation.
- 35% of UCSC undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend a four-year university
- 31% of UCSC undergraduates are from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
- There are close to equal numbers of women and men undergraduates*
The above statistics make clear that entering students will certainly meet and work with students, faculty, and staff they perceive to be different from themselves. Our UCSC Banana Slugs come from an array of different lived experiences; therefore, awareness of many social issues that impact us, as well as basic equity and inclusion concepts and practices, are important to build effective everyday interactions. Learning tools to further listening, and communication across differences, will support you in practicing behaviors that are expected of emerging scholars.
*Please note that not all students identify along the gender binary. Currently our campus systems are in the process of being updated to better capture students’ experiences with gender outside of the binary.
Why are we requiring the We Are Slugs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students (WAS DEI) program?
In keeping with the UCSC Principles of Community, the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students” educational online program is designed to introduce students to concepts that will assist them in further understanding how inclusive practices foster a healthy and welcoming campus climate for our diverse student body.
The program also provides students with an array of resources that support their multiple intersectional identities, and therefore their growth as a student, as an engaged critical thinker, and a dedicated member of their local and global communities.
Here is what the 23% of last year’s entering and transfer students who replied to our assessment of the DEI program had to say:
- Half of the respondents reported no prior knowledge of key DEI concepts
- The majority (76%) did not know how to be an ally to someone in a targeted group
- Prior to completing the DEI program, 81% reported that they did not know what to do or say to intervene in an incident of discrimination or bias
- Of note, of the students who did not previously know about these concepts, 92% reported WAS DEI to be helpful in knowing how to be an ally and how to intervene
- An overwhelming number of students (86%) who completed the program reported it to be helpful in learning about and understanding the basic concepts of diversity and inclusion
What are some of the campus resources and offices engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion work?
Please click on the link below to learn about, and connect with, the many resources and offices that engage in educational programming and co-curricular activities promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at the UC Santa Cruz campus: https://diversity.ucsc.edu/resources/resources-for-students.html
What should you do if you, or one of your peers, experiences an act of hate or bias?
Through the many educational programs supported by our offices, divisions, and units, as well as by our academic departments, UCSC educates the campus community about hate, bias, and discrimination. Our aim is to maintain and sustain an inclusive campus community that works to prevent harassment, assault, and different forms of discrimination.
Unfortunately, there are incidents when members of our campus community experience different forms of bias. In the event you or a peer experiences an act of hate or bias, please file a report through this webpage: https://reporthate.ucsc.edu/how-to-report/index.html
Accessibility
If you are unable to complete the programs due to a disability-related access concern, please email weareslugs@ucsc.edu. We will work to either resolve the barrier or provide an alternative training.
