Many variables can impact your time at UCSF. Learn how taxes, California residency and the latest contracts can impact you. In addition, dependent care options and travel awards can help with your experience.
Health and Wellness
Make your physical and mental health your top priority, no matter what! Take advantage of these resources.
Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Student Mental Health and Wellbeing is a resource for navigating personal concerns, identifying options, reducing stress and solving problems, counseling and psychological services, drop-in appointments for consultation, wellness programs, and more. All registered UCSF students have access to SMHW, but note that you must enroll in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) to get mental health coverage.
Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)
CARE Advocate provides free, confidential support to any UCSF affiliate including students, staff, faculty, post-docs and researchers who have experienced interpersonal violence such as sexual assault, dating/intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, or stalking, or retaliation related to participation in an OPHD complaint resolution process. You may speak with the CARE advocate confidentially about your experiences and receive emotional support and resources. CARE can be reached at 415-502-8802 or [email protected].
Establish a Supportive Community
Reaching out to your peers and making friends is important for your well-being, and having a strong support network and building collaborative relationships – inside and outside of your discipline – will ensure your success at UCSF and beyond. Here are some tips to get you started.
Fitness and Recreation
UCSF Fitness & Recreation operates three fitness centers at UCSF, outdoor trips, and programs in partnership with other UCSF departments. Students can join the program that's right for them at discounted rates. Be sure to check out the highly popular Rec Pass!
Student Disability Services (SDS)
SDS is available to assist students with obtaining the services and accommodations required to ensure equal access to all aspects of the UCSF experience. Whether you have a temporary or lasting disability, see the disability accommodations process for graduate students.
Ergonomics & Human Factors
The Ergonomics & Human Factors program can help ensure that you are working safely, efficiently, and comfortably in your lab or work area. Even changing the type of pipette you use can make a big difference!
Leaves of Absence
If you find that you need to take a leave of absence for a qualifying reason during your PhD program, be sure to reach out to your program administrator and academic adviser. They can often help you stay on on the path to graduation, even when you encounter a bump in the road. Read more about the policies around taking a leave of absence.
Support Services
Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination
Employees and students can report complaints of sexual violence and sexual harassment, and other protected category harassment and discrimination via email at [email protected], by calling 415-502-3400, or submitting a complaint here: ophd.ucsf.edu/reporting-form.
Office of Ethics and Compliance
Employees and students can report complaints of bullying/abusive conduct or Whistleblower complaints via email at [email protected], by calling 800-403-4744, or submitting a complaint via the UC Whistleblower hotline/EthicsPoint portal: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/23531/index.html.
Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds serves as a confidential resource for all members of the UCSF community (faculty, non-faculty academics, staff, administrators, students, post-doctoral fellows and other trainees). The Ombuds will listen; help identify options; make inquiries and make referrals as appropriate; and/or facilitate resolutions in an impartial manner. The Office of the Ombuds supplements and does not replace or substitute formal grievance processes made available by the University. Please call to schedule your Zoom, phone, or in-person appointment (415) 502-9600.