Election Resources and Support

Cal Message sent on November 9, 2016

Community Support, Spaces, and Resources 

Dear Cal Students, Staff, and Faculty, 

We know that the results of yesterday's election have sparked fear and concern among many in our community; in particular our immigrant and undocumented communities, Muslim, African American, Chicanx/Latinx, LGBTQ+, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities, survivors of sexual assault, people with disabilities, women, and many others. We are reaching out to you with a message of support. UC Berkeley leadership remains steadfast in our values and committed to the safety and well-being of all of our students, faculty, and staff. We condemn bigotry and hatred in all forms and hold steadfast in our commitment to equity, access, and a campus that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all. 

Various communities have organized the following community spaces and resources:

  • A community space for undocumented students tonight at 6:30 pm in Chavez Room 105.
  • CLSD and CLPR are hosting space at the Shorb House, 2547 Channing Way from 12 pm-5 pm for students to come by. Faculty and staff will be there in the community with our students for support. 
  • MCC is holding a safe space for POC/Black students from 8 pm-10 pm this evening.
  • QTAP is hosting a QTOPC dinner in Anthony Hall at 6 pm.
  • The Gender Equity Resource Center is open today, until 5 pm, for those who wish for a quiet space for contemplation and community. GenEq is also hosting the following healing spaces: 
    • Women's Healing Space - Today, November 9th, 1 pm-2:30 pm
    • LGBTQ+ Healing Space - Today, November 9th, 2:30pm-4pm

Be gentle with yourselves and take care of each other. 

Carol Christ, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost 
Na'ilah Suad Nasir, Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion 
Harry LeGrande, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Cathy Koshland, Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education 
Joseph Greenwell, Dean of Students
William Morrow, President of the ASUC
Kena Hazelwood-Carter, President of the Graduate Assembly

Resources for Students

November 9, 2016

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) counselors have heard from students throughout this election cycle about the impact the rhetoric and conversations are having on their lives, their stress levels, and their emotional wellness.

CAPS is working with the Dean of Students office and various advising offices on campus to find spaces for students to process their reactions to yesterday's election and in some of them there will be counselors available.

For updated information about where students can have a space to talk about their thoughts and feelings about this election on themselves, their communities, and the campus as a whole, please continue to check the Berkeley Diversity Facebook page and/or the Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement (EJCE) list of gatherings.

These communities may continue to send out messages through their respective listservs so stay connected through their channels or call CAPS if you have questions. We are hoping these are spaces for students to have a place to talk about their thoughts and feelings about this election on themselves, their communities, and the campus as a whole. 

CAPS is dedicated to supporting students and if you are having reactions which is causing significant impairment to your health please feel free to come talk to one of our counselors during our crisis drop-in times Monday-Friday from 10 am-5 pm.  

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Services for faculty and staff during these times of great uncertainty: 

For many people, the tumult of this election has led to significant amounts of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. If you find yourself in need of processing these emotions, Employee Assistance is available for phone or in-person sessions. Employee Assistance offers no-cost, short-term, confidential counseling for work or personal emotional concerns.

Please contact Employee Assistance at (510) 643-7754 to set up an appointment.