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Recourse and Resolution
ASUC Student Advocate
The Student Advocate’s Office (SAO) helps students with University-related problems, including admissions, dismissals, transfers, enrollment, financial aid, establishment of California residency, harassment, discrimination, defense against allegations of misconduct, grade disputes, procedural problems, grievances, and problems with the police, and UC housing or employment. The Office, which is staffed by student interns, also negotiates with the administration for policy changes that would benefit the student body as a whole. The Student Advocate is an executive officer of the ASUC and is elected in the spring. All assistance is prompt, free, and always confidential (studentadvocateoffice.com; 204 Eshleman Hall; help@studentadvocateoffice.com; 510/642-6912).

The Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees
The Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees provides an informal dispute resolution process in which the Ombudsperson advocates for fairness, justice, respect for differences, and reasonable solutions to campus-related student and postdoctoral issues and concerns. All UC Berkeley undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral appointees, as well as faculty and staff members who work with these groups can call for assistance. The Ombudsperson will listen to concerns, explore options for the next steps to take, and discuss other resources that might be helpful. The office considers all information strictly confidential, except in cases of imminent risk of serious harm, and offers an informal atmosphere. The office is an independent department, run neither as an office of record nor of formal report for the University. Please call for information and to make appointments. (students.berkeley.edu/Ombuds; 510/642-5754).

Legal services
The ASUC Student Legal Clinic (SLC) is a comprehensive, student-run legal resource center that helps students make informed decisions about legal problems. The clinic offers information on topics such as bankruptcy, consumer issues, contracts, court appearances, divorce, immigration, insurance, small claims, and traffic violations. Services include attorney and agency referrals and income tax assistance. The SLC does not give legal advice (studentlegalclinic.berkeley.edu; 300A Eshleman Hall; asuclegalclinic@gmail.com; 510/642-9986).

Student Legal Services has a part-time attorney on staff who can advise you about your legal rights and obligations if you have a question or problem with the law. Currently registered Cal students can schedule a free 30-minute consultation; if your situation requires legal representation, the attorney will refer you to appropriate resources (sls.berkeley.edu; 102 Sproul Hall; 510/642-5171).

Jury duty: you may be called for jury service if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the county that sent you the jury summons. Your status as a student does not exempt you from jury service, but you can typically request a postponement to a date that is more convenient for you.

Center for Student Conduct and Community Standards (CSCCS)
The Center for Student Conduct and Community Standards reviews and resolves cases of misconduct. The CSCCS works to prevent violations of the Code of Student Conduct by implementing programs to educate students on campus policies. A copy of the Code of Student Conduct is available at studentconduct.berkeley.edu (2536 Channing Way, Building E, second floor; 510/643-9069).

Note: The Center for Student Conduct and Community Standards is not in an accessible location. If you are mobility-impaired, they can arrange to meet with you at another location.

Academic Integrity: Berkeley is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, as it is critical to students’ success. Honesty and responsibility in scholarship are obligations of every Berkeley student. Students should make themselves aware of the expectations for academic work and the Code of Student Conduct (studentconduct.berkeley.edu).

Sexual harassment
The Title IX Officer is part of the Campus Climate and Compliance Office, and oversees implementation of the University policies on sexual harassment, sexually hostile environments, sexual assault, and rape. This is a campus-wide office coordinating response to—and addressing concerns of—faculty, staff, and students. The Office seeks to promptly and equitably resolve sexual harassment and sexual violence issues, racial harassment, hostile environments, and other discrimination concerns, by providing direct consultation or investigation, or by referrals to appropriate campus offices (ccac.berkeley.edu; tixco@berkeley.edu; 510/643-7985).

The Office also provides online training and in-person workshops on sexual and racial harassment, discrimination, and a range of concerns regarding specific department and general campus climate issues (510/643-9707).

The Gender Equity (GenEq) Resource Center is a good place to begin if you have experienced sexual harassment, would like to work to end sexual harassment, or are looking for resources on this topic. Services include: overview of available options, assistance with the administrative process and documents, and resource information on sexual harassment. GenEq’s professional staff and student interns are sensitive to the needs of survivors and serve as supportive advocates through what can be an emotionally challenging process. They are able to assist all genders and sexual orientations. Call or stop by for an appointment (geneq.berkeley.edu; Gender Equity Resource Center, 202 Cesar Chavez Student Center; 510/643-5727).

SHAPE (Sexual Harassment Advocacy and Peer Education) is a team of student peer educators who plan and facilitate interactive workshops and other educational programs for the campus community. Peer educators gain valuable leadership skills through public speaking and community outreach. Second-year peer educators can apply to become advocates who assist survivors of sexual and dating violence. SHAPE is committed to creating a safer campus environment and serves all genders and sexual orientations. Academic credit is available (geneq.berkeley.edu; Gender Equity Resource Center, 202 Cesar Chavez Student Center; shape@berkeley.edu; 510/643-9861).

University Health Services coordinates education programs, confidential crisis counseling, advocacy, and medical care for women and men who have been harassed or assaulted (uhs.berkeley.edu; Tang Center, 2222 Bancroft Way; Prevention, 510/642-7202; Victim Assistance and Counseling, 510/642-6074; Counseling Services, 510/642-9494; Medical Care, 510/642-3188).

Don’t let stress get the best of you
Sometimes stress can be beneficial, in that it can motivate and energize you to accomplish your goals. However, it can also be harmful by affecting your physical, mental, and emotional health. Some common stress symptoms include headaches and physical pain, anger and irritability, anxiety, depression, isolation, alcohol/other drug use, or changes in eating, sleeping, and other daily routines. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek help. There are lots of resources on campus:

For more resources, visit: uhs.berkeley.edu/students/medical/stress.shtml