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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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." 

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