Dear UCSF Community,

Who we are, where we come from, and how we see the world enrich our community at UCSF. What we bring individually strengthens our collective intellectual life, deepens our understanding, and drives excellence across our education, research, and patient care. This is why our work to create and sustain opportunity for every individual, regardless of identity, background, and belief, is just as vital to each person’s success as it is to our shared mission to advance health for all.

To reflect our progress and reinforce our commitment to equal opportunity, the Office of Diversity and Outreach has changed its name to the Office of Opportunity and Outreach (O&O). Under Vice Chancellor Renée Navarro’s leadership, the office has expanded inclusiveness and opportunity since it was established 15 years ago. Results from the 2025 Community Climate Survey show improved ratings in many segments across UCSF. While the overall gains we have seen are meaningful, we have more to do. This essential work remains a priority, guided by our PRIDE values and principles of community.

UCSF’s long-term success relies on our continued focus on these important efforts, supported by our actions to uphold our legal responsibilities. In the coming weeks, UCSF leaders will be implementing an enhanced compliance program that is aligned with both the spirit and the language of the law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which affirms: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Additionally, Vice Chancellor Navarro will be partnering with leaders across the enterprise to ensure alignment in the language we use to describe our work, an important effort at a time when some terms carry the risk of being misunderstood.

Throughout our history, UCSF has stepped forward to meet the moment. We saw that in the 1980s and 1990s when we established our first resource centers to support women and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, we launched our anti-racism initiative amid a national reckoning on race and racism. These actions exemplify our commitment to listen, grow, and act on behalf of our community, as we arrive at another important milestone to confront society’s challenges, both familiar and new.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this work.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor

Renée Navarro, PharmD, MD
Vice Chancellor, Opportunity and Outreach
Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care