Affirmative Action Programs

Excellence and diversity of the faculty and student body of the University of California are integral to its educational mission. The University has historically pursued a policy of nondiscrimination in all its operations. Experience has proven that this policy, while essential, is not by itself sufficient to assure that all individuals are extended equal opportunity. Experience has also demonstrated the effectiveness of affirmative action efforts by the University as a whole, and by campuses and academic units to extend equal opportunities to groups that have been underrepresented in the University community. Within the faculty, the largest of these groups are ethnic minorities and women.

The University maintains affirmative action programs to supplement regular efforts in recruitment, retention, and promotion of minority and women faculty members.

The Faculty Career Development and the Pre-Tenure Awards Programs

The Faculty Career Development Program (FCDP) was introduced in 1978 as a component of the University's Affirmative Action Employee Development Program. The FCDP provides financial assistance to women and minority junior faculty, to enable them to pursue the creative and research activities necessary for advancement to tenure. Awards are distributed in the form of summer salaries, sabbatical leave supplements, special leaves with salary for one or two quarters, stipends for research assistance, travel to professional meetings, equipment, and other individual needs. A second component, the Pre-Tenure Awards Program, began in 1986-1987. These awards provide assistance to highly promising minority and women junior faculty in the form of released time from regular duties for up to one academic year for major concentration on scholarly and research activities at a time when a body of work and prospects for tenure can be reasonably evaluated.

The President's Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Dissertation-Year Fellowship Programs

The President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, initiated in 1984-85, provides post-doctoral fellowships to encourage minorities and women to pursue academic careers and to enhance their eligibility for consideration for appointment to faculty positions at the University of California. Fellowship recipients are selected through a nationwide search. In addition to financial support, the program provides research and career guidance by a faculty mentor. Efforts are also made to assist President's Fellows to compete for positions in the University of California by informing them of faculty openings, and informing appropriate campus departments of the availability of these qualified scholars.

The program is funded and administered by the Office of the President. Selection for the program is based on the quality of the candidates' research proposals and their potential for consideration for appointment to ladder-rank faculty positions at the University of California. Current faculty members are encouraged to participate in the President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program by identifying and nominating candidates with outstanding potential for faculty careers.

The Dissertation-Year Fellowship Program, initiated in 1986-87, provides mentorship and financial support to underrepresented minorities and women who are completing their dissertations and preparing for academic careers. Fellowship recipients are nominated by departments and selected by the Graduate Divisions. To enhance their visibility to departments and faculty throughout the State, Dissertation-Year Fellows are provided funds to present their dissertation research at other UC or at CSU campuses. Each year, the names and dissertation titles of current and former Fellows are distributed to the UC campuses for consideration as future faculty members.

Guidelines for these programs are available from the Academic Advancement Department in the Office of the President.

[NOTE: As of September 1995, affirmative action policies and programs are under review. These policies and programs are subject to change. Contact your Academic Personnel Office for current information.]

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