Inside Higher Ed | UC San Diego

A Community with Heart

At UC San Diego, we believe community comes first. Each student, faculty and staff member brings a unique identity, set of beliefs and experiences that enrich our learning and working environment. We actively create opportunities for cross-collaboration among diverse people, which fuels a collective genius that has resulted in unexpected and impactful innovations.

Our vision is to create an inclusive learning and working environment where all campus community members feel welcomed and valued, which in turn leads to excellence in the classroom and workplace. “An invigorating movement is underway,” said Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Becky Petitt. “Throughout UC San Diego’s periods of growth and revitalization, we have remained steadfast in our dedication to cultivating a community with heart.”

The campus continues to become more diverse every year. Since 2012, there has been a 30 percent increase in the growth of both ladder rank faculty and staff members from underrepresented groups. In addition, women scientists at UC San Diego have risen as leaders of the campus’s biggest research grants—bringing in over $73 million in 2017.

Dozens of exciting initiatives have already been launched, led by the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, from first-generation student transition programs and the Faculty of Color Network to the Latinx/Chicanx Academic Excellence Initiative—designed to support California’s fastest growing demographic. All of these programs contribute to a cultural shift at UC San Diego designed to spark new ways of achieving inclusive excellence.

Faculty: Inclusive Teaching and Research

UC San Diego is home to over 1,500 ladder-rank faculty members. In addition to advancing scholarship, they devote their time to mentoring first-generation students and developing impactful community programs to expand learning opportunities. They also serve as campus diversity ambassadors, offering invaluable insights and leadership.

Our faculty members are changemakers, committed to making a difference locally and globally. Biological Sciences Professor Gentry Patrick created a program that pairs students of color—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college—with mentors, summer internships and other support resources. And Ethnic Studies Professor Yến Lê Espiritu’s recently led a study that re-conceptualizes the “refugee” not as an object of rescue, but as a site of social and political critiques.

The recruitment and retention of an outstanding and diverse faculty continues to be a high priority for UC San Diego. Several programs on campus are dedicated to improving recruitment, retention and success of underrepresented faculty, including the Center for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion and the Hispanic Center of Excellence. In addition, three faculty networks serve to connect faculty members and create community, including the Faculty of Color Network, Women’s Faculty Network and First Generation Faculty Network. And Faculty Equity Advisors work collaboratively with deans, department chairs and search committees to ensure that equity and inclusion are considered in all aspects of faculty affairs, including recruitment, retention and advancement.

Staff: A Place of Belonging

UC San Diego is the largest employer in San Diego. A bustling mini city of its own, staff members are the driving force of the university—managing laboratories, advising students, healing patients and more. According to a recent staff survey, the top reasons staff members enjoy working at UC San Diego include a sense of validation, a welcoming climate and a collective commitment to the campus’s Principles of Community.

There is a unique camaraderie among staff members at UC San Diego. Changemakers both on campus and in the local community go above and beyond to advance the mission of our campus. Many are engaged as Leaders for Equity Advancement and Diversity (LEAD) Fellows who receive extensive training to provide leadership and promote diversity and excellence across campus. They facilitate dialogue, lead workshops and offer consultations on equity, diversity and inclusion issues.

All staff members are invited to learn, grow and connect at one of six campus community centers, spaces dedicated to engage in open dialogue, tap into identity and challenge traditional notions of diversity. In addition, networking and friendship-building happens through the UC San Diego Staff Association as well as over a dozen staff affiliate groups, from the Community Advocates for Disability Rights and Education and the Black Staff Association to the Pan-Asian Staff Association and the Veterans Staff Association.

Join Us

The collective talents and abilities of our diverse faculty and staff have defined UC San Diego as a leader in public higher education. The greatest asset to ensure our continued excellence is the unique expertise, backgrounds and experiences of our people. Join us in achieving our vision of reflecting all segments of society and serving as a model for inclusive excellence.