External Relations and Communications
We build public understanding and support for the university's mission.
External Relations and Communications is focused on increasing public understanding and support for the university and communicating UC’s value and impact on the lives of people in our local communities, California and the nation. We help establish and strengthen relationships with outside constituencies — such as alumni and philanthropists, business and industry — and, in coordination with campuses, facilitating their support for the university. We also conduct policy analysis for the university.
Michael Reese
Interim Senior Vice President
DEPARTMENTS
Alumni Engagement
UC has more than 1.8 million alumni living and working around the globe. They are leaders and contributors to the vitality of our communities, our businesses and our culture. The mission of the Alumni Engagement office is to enrich the lives of alumni and engage them as volunteers, advocates and contributors who strengthen the University of California.
- Top Destinations
- Services & Programs
- Contacts
Executive Communications and Engagement
Supports the president, UCOP executives and campus colleagues in the development of systemwide messaging. Writes speeches, talking points and other materials on behalf of President Drake and plans, coordinates and staffs presidential events.
- Top Destinations
- What we do
- Contacts
Federal Governmental Relations
Serves as the primary university representative to federal elected officials and agencies to advocate for UC on federal education, research, health care and public service legislative and policy matters.
- Top Destinations
- Advocacy
- Policy & Publications
- Resources
Institutional Advancement
Promotes and assists the campuses in increasing private, voluntary support of the university and oversees systemwide policy. Manages Constituent Engagement which enriches the lives of alumni and engages them as volunteers, advocates and contributors.
- Top Destinations
- Annual reports on private support
- Endowment reports
- Constituent engagement
Internal Communications
Supports internal communications for UCOP and systemwide business functions and initiatives that impact UC’s diverse employee and retiree population and manages employee-facing communications vehicles.
- Top Destinations
- What we do
- Contacts
Legislative Analysis
Provides policy analysis and coordinates the development of the university’s position on legislation, primarily at the state level, and prepares responses to legislative, gubernatorial and other official requests.
- Top Destinations
- What we do
- Contacts
Marketing Communications
Builds public awareness of UC’s value and its impact on the lives of people in California and beyond through campaigns, initiatives, programs, announcements, etc.
- Top Destinations
- What we do
- Resources
- Contacts
State Governmental Relations
Serves as the primary university representative to state elected officials and state agencies to advocate for UC on legislative, budgetary and policy matters.
- Top Destinations
- Legislation
- Budget
- Advocacy
- Contacts
Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Enhances the public’s understanding of the university, interacts with journalists and media outlets, coordinating responses on news coverage, and executes proactive communications strategies.
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- What we do
- Contacts
UCH Communications
Provides strategic marketing and communications for UC Health, including development of systemwide collaborations among the five academic medical centers and 18 health professional schools.
- Top Destinations
- Contacts
Contact us
Phone: (510) 987-9195
External Relations and Communications
University of California
Office of the President
1111 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Media inquiries
Phone: (510) 987-9200
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"I look forward to staying engaged with members of the UC community. I encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts and ideas."