Division of Equity and Inclusion, UC Berkeley

10/13/2026

💙 What does it really mean to support the whole student?

In the latest edition of What's the Word?, Dr. Julian Ledesma, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Equity & Success, explores Empowering Holistic Counseling (EHC), an approach that recognizes that a student's academic journey is shaped by more than what happens in the classroom.

From financial challenges and family responsibilities to emotional well-being, belonging, and career goals, EHC encourages us to recognize the different experiences and needs that shape a student's journey. By bringing together empathy, equity, institutional knowledge, and practical support, EHC offers a framework for helping students navigate challenges while building pathways toward success. 🌱

Rather than only asking: "How can we address a student's immediate concern?" EHC also asks: "How can we support the whole student and help them thrive?"

🔗 Read more: https://ei.berkeley.edu/news/what%E2%80%99s-word-empowering-holistic-counseling-ehc

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"What's the Word?" is a monthly column that introduces emerging language, concepts, and frameworks shaping equity and inclusion work. Each edition offers brief context, shared definitions, and practical insight to help our community build a common vocabulary and deepen understanding.

Those of us who spend significant time working in direct support of students learn very quickly that the issue that brings someone into our spaces is rarely the only issue that matters.

10/11/2026

“Define your own life. You can do it. Study hard, ask questions, find mentors, and accept help.” -Judge Emily Vasquez

From California's Central Valley to Berkeley Law, Judge Emily Vasquez made history as the first Latina judge in Sacramento County Superior Court history.

On Sat. 9/26, the UC Berkeley community gathered for the campus premiere of A Job in the Shade: The Emily Vasquez Story, a documentary celebrating her journey, commitment to public service and lasting impact.

The evening brought together students, alumni, and community members to celebrate her legacy and reflect on the power of education, mentorship, and opening doors for the next generation. 💙💛

🔗 Read more about the celebration and watch the film trailer:

Years after Judge Emily Vasquez walked the halls of Berkeley Law as a student, she returned to the UC Berkeley campus with a story that can help a new generation imagine what is possible.

10/07/2026

✨ Did you know? Thriving extends into the classroom, too.

The Provost’s Thriving in Teaching Mentorship Program brings UC Berkeley faculty together to build community, learn from one another and strengthen racial equity in teaching through peer mentorship, reflection and feedback.

The yearlong program is a collaboration between the Office of the Provost, Division of Equity & Inclusion, Division of Undergraduate Education and Center for Teaching & Learning. 💙💛

🔗 Learn more: https://teaching.berkeley.edu/programs/provosts-thriving-teaching-mentorship-program

10/05/2026

Join the LTI Book Club 📚

UC Berkeley faculty and staff are invited to a three-session discussion of Dr. Gina Ann Garcia’s The HSI Movement: Strategies Driving Change at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Led by Dr. Garcia, the series will explore what it means to move beyond enrollment toward truly serving Latine students, with conversations focused on strategy, liberatory education, and the power of community.

📅 Tues. 10/20 · 11/17 · 12/15
⏰ Noon-1:30pm
📍 Berkeley Way West, Room 4500

Space is limited to 20 participants, and participants must commit to all three sessions.

🔗 Register to reserve your spot:

Thank you for your interest in participating in Dr. Gina Garcia's Book Club. Part strategy guide, part love letter, Dr. Gina Garcia’s latest book, The HSI Movement, celebrates the educators and leaders transforming Hispanic-Serving Institutions from within and explores what it means to truly serve...

10/04/2026

We’re coming together again! 💙💛🐻

Join students, staff, faculty and alumni for Building AA & PI Futures at Berkeley and Beyond on Fri. 10/9 as we celebrate the legacies and future of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA & PI) communities at Berkeley.

Hear from faculty leading the new Asian American and Pacific Islander Transpacific Futures Initiative and learn how the initiative is strengthening research, teaching, and community at UC Berkeley and beyond.

📅 Fri. 10/9 from 10-11:30am
📍 Pauley Ballroom, MLK Jr. Student Union

🎟️ Visit homecoming.berkeley.edu or call 888.UNIV.CAL (888.864.8225) to register. Free with promo code CAMPANILE510; currently registered students receive a free Class Pass.

Celebrate Cal community, connections, and culture. Oct 9–10, 2026.

10/02/2026

October is Dating and Domestic Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen our commitment to safer communities. 🧡

Throughout the month, UC Berkeley’s PATH to Care Center is sharing resources and opportunities to learn about healthy relationships, recognize signs of abuse, prevent relationship violence, and support those impacted by harm.

If you or another University of California, Berkeley community member experiences sexual violence or harassment, stalking, or relationship violence, support is available. Berkeley offers confidential resources and options for reporting concerns.

🔗 Visit the SVSH site to learn more and explore available resources and support: https://svsh.berkeley.edu/datingdomestic-violence-prevention-month

10/02/2026

October is Filipino American History Month! 🇵🇭

UC Berkeley celebrates and honors the rich histories, cultures, experiences, and contributions of Filipinx American communities, on campus and beyond. Join us throughout the month for events and opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate Filipinx American history and voices, including:

📚 Fri. 10/9 & Sat. 10/10: Centering Philippine and Filipino American Histories exhibit and open house at The Bancroft Library
🍽 Thurs. 10/15: Filipinx American Heritage Month Dinner across all UC Berkeley Dining commons: Café 3, Clark Kerr, Crossroads, and Foothill
📖 Wed. 10/21: Berkeley Book Chat with Lisandro Claudio

Open to students, staff, and faculty. Come celebrate Filipino American History Month with us! Explore events and resources:

Filipino American History Month (FAHM)*, established in October 1988, commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinx in the continental U.S. On October 18, 1587, "Luzones Indios" came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza, landing at what is now Morro Bay, California. As...

10/02/2026

🌟Disability Awareness Month is recognized throughout October! 🌟

Each October, UC Berkeley celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Disability Awareness Month, honoring the valuable contributions that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities bring to our community. As the birthplace of the disability rights movement, UC Berkeley continues to champion inclusion and equal opportunities for all, upholding its proud legacy of advocacy and accessibility.

Join us throughout the month for events that center disability culture, accessibility, community, and advocacy, including:

🎨 Wed. 10/7: Disabled Makers’ Market at Alumni House, hosted by the Disability Cultural Community (DCC) Center
💬 Thurs. 10/8: Access to Action: Disabled Labor Activists and Organizers Panel at the Labor Center
🤝 Tues. 10/13: Disability Community Town Hall at the DCC Center, hosted by Disability Access and Compliance
🎬 Wed. 10/28: Beyond the Frame: Accessible Film Event at Banatao Auditorium

✨ Open to students, staff, and faculty. Come celebrate with us! Explore events and resources: https://ei.berkeley.edu/resources/heritage-and-awareness-messages/filipino-american-history-month

09/30/2026

Welcome back, SEED Scholars! 💙🐻

SEED scholars, mentors and staff came together earlier this month to kick off the new academic year, reconnect across cohorts, and build community for the year ahead.

Wishing our SEED community a great 2026-27!

📸: Reagan Calaguas

09/30/2026

📊 The Equity and Inclusion Data Dashboard has been updated.

The Fall 2025 data offers a snapshot of the students, faculty and staff who make up our campus community. A few highlights:
🎓 33,122 undergraduate students and 13,029 graduate students
💙 30% of undergraduates are first-generation college students
💛 31% of undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients
🐻 9,595 staff members support Berkeley’s teaching, research and public service mission

These are just a few of the ways to explore who makes up Berkeley. Dive into the Fast Facts and our interactive diversity data dashboards for a closer look.

🔗 Explore the data: https://ei.berkeley.edu/data-reports/data-dashboard