WOMXN'S GUIDE TO UCI
CURATED BY THE WOMXN’S CENTER FOR SUCCESS LEARN ABOUT CAMPUS RESOURCES ACCESS HEALTH SERVICES & AMENITIES PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT LIFE
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CONTENTS WOMXN'S CENTER FOR SUCCESS 3 WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR 4 WELCOME LETTER FROM THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR 5 MEET OUR STAFF 6 MISSION & RESOURCES AVAILABLE 7 LEARNING OUTCOMES 8 WOMXN'S HERSTORY AT UCI 9-11 FEATURED PROGRAMS
CAMPUS RESOURCES 12 CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER 13 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER RESOURCE CENTER (LGBTRC)
COVID-19 VACCINE POLICY, TESTING, AND TRACING
FIND INFORMATION ON PAGES 2A-2C.
GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDIES TAKE CLASSES & READ CHAIR'S LETTER / P 22-23 The Department of GSS offers both a minor and major in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Learn about introductory course offerings / p40
14 FRESH BASIC NEEDS HUB & INFANT TODDLER CENTER 15 OTHER STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP 16 COUNSELING CENTER & OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY (OEOD) 17 CAMPUS ASSAULT RESOURCES AND EDUCATION (CARE)
STUDENT LIFE 24-26 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 25 ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL
WOMEN OF UCI
26 JOINING A SORORITY
HEALTH & AMENITIES 18-19 CENTER FOR STUDENT WELLNESS AND HEALTH PROMOTION 19 FREE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS 20 LACTATION SUPPORT 21 GENDER INCLUSIVE RESTROOMS
LOCAL BUSINESSES WE LOVE YOUR NAIL, HAIR, STYLE, & HEALTH NEEDS / P 27-28
For your convenience, all business are located at University Center and Campus Plaza.
COVID-19 SAFETY& VACCINE POLICY
COVID-19 VACCINE POLICY To keep our communities healthy and safe during the ongoing pandemic, all UC students are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to physically be present
on campus for attending classes, for living on campus (in UCI or in ACC housing) or for working on campus beginning this fall. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and one of the most important tools we have to combat this pandemic. Be sure you have uploaded your vaccine record to the Student Health Center Portal.
Students who do not comply with UC vaccination requirements , including the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, may be subject to disciplinary action or loss of campus privileges , including but not limited to loss of wifi privileges, restriction from campus resources, restriction of access to campus, and an academic registration hold restricting students from registering for classes. Disciplinary action can include probation, suspension, or dismissal from the university. Students, staff and faculty not fully vaccinated need to participate in weekly asymptomatic testing and masking . Drop-in asymptomatic testing for all students, staff, and faculty will be available on campus by the fall quarter. Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services is available to help and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and locate available vaccine locations in your community. They can be reached at 949-824-2300 or contacttracing@uci.edu.
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HOW TO GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 & UPLOADING YOUR RECORD WHERE TO GET VACCINATED: UCI encourages students to take advantage of the most immediate vaccination opportunity that arrives through county vaccination clinics, your healthcare provider, or local pharmacies. All people ages 12 and above across the United States are now eligible to receive a vaccine. In California, you may seek a vaccination appointment online at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-4224255 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm or Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Transportation Assistance The FRESH Basic Needs Hub is providing transportation support for students who face financial barriers accessing a vaccine site. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZJ8vJcNr__DdfJg9so0HJiaVnroKCi_WWHYqBdq2PMA FY7A/viewform The vaccine is free. No fees required for those covered by UCSHIP Several students covered by UCSHIP have inquired about potential fees related to the COVID vaccine. It’s important to emphasize that the vaccine is free — UCSHIP-covered patients should not be charged any fees, copays or out-of-pocket expenses. Organizations administering the vaccine, such as UCI Health, may bill insurance companies for administrative costs. For this reason, UCSHIP requests that students receive a referral before or after the vaccination by contacting shcinsurance@uci.edu or call 949-824-2388. UCI’s Contact Tracing & Vaccine Navigation Services is available to help individuals find vaccine appointments and can be reached at 949-824-2300 or by emailing contacttracing@uci.edu. They are also able to assist with uploading vaccine records and exception requests."
WHERE TO UPLOAD: Student Verification. Students who have already received their COVID-19 vaccine should upload their vaccination record on the UCI Student Health Center Patient Portal.
More information on vaccinations: https://uci.edu/coronavirus/testing-response/covid-19-vaccine.php
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COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION COVID-19 TESTING UCI Health is committed to providing quality care and affordable access to our patients and our community. UCI Health offers screening and testing services for COVID-19-related symptoms. Please note:
If you have health insurance, we will bill your insurance for all screening and testing. If you do not have health insurance, our discounted cash price for COVID-19 testing is $65. Student Center Crescent Bay A-D Testing Site will open on Monday, August 16 at 8 a.m. Hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:20 p.m. If you wish to reschedule your recurring appointment, visit the UCI
Student Health Center Patient Portal. Asymptomatic testing is for on-campus students, staff and faculty who
do not have symptoms. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, students should contact Student Health and employees working on-site
should contact the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH)
To report COVID-19 incidents: https://ehs.uci.edu/forms/safetyconcern/index.php
CONTACT TRACING WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING? UCI's Contact Tracing & Vaccine Navigation Services is reaching out to individual positive COVID-19 cases and close-contacts of cases to understand where exposures may have occurred, identify close contacts, and determine who needs to take particular action. This effort helps to track and contain the spread of COVID-19.
UCI’s trained contact tracing staff will be calling all UCI students, faculty and staff who are COVID19 positive as well as their close contacts to interview them and provide isolation and quarantine instructions. The information gathered in the interviews helps identify and respond to clusters of cases.
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https://uci.edu/coronavirus/testing-response/contact-tracing.php
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome Anteaters!
On behalf of our community at the Womxn’s Center for Success, I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to campus and the 2021 – 2022 academic year. We are a brave, energetic, supportive, and welcoming space that is here to help you navigate campus life, co-curricular involvement, education, and personal life. Now that we are back to inperson services, I encourage you to stop by our new (while still in construction) center. Located on the Fourth Floor of the Student Center South Building in the RISE Suite (G458) I hope that this guide, coupled with our in person services, resources, and programs, will help guide you through the year ahead. Put together by our amazing student staff, this guide can help you find your community, get involved with a campus organization, and learn about important resources to make your successful at UCI. We intended for this guide to be a tool to make the transition to campus life a little easier. Utilize it as you start to have questions but always know our staff are always here to assist as well. As we look towards the future of returning to campus life, the Womxn’s Center for Success is energized to evolve, learn grow, and adapt alongside you. Our commitment to provide dynamic programming that creates space to explore identity, foster personal growth and builds community connections. Feel free to call on me and the other resources in this guide to support you in your UCI journey. We look forward to seeing you, supporting you, and having you as a part of our community. Nos Vemos,
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Sydney Torres (she/hers/ella) Director, Womxn's Center for Success The University of California, Irvine resides on the traditional territory of the Acjachemen and Tongva people.
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
She/Ella
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MEET OUR STAFF
ALISA MASAMITSU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
ADRIENNE SANTIAGO MEDIA INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
SONIYA MANJU COMMUNITY EDUCATION INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
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ANAHITA KOTHARI COMMUNITY BUILDING INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
GIGI LIU LEADERSHIP ADMIN INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
MEET OUR STAFF
EMILY DOAN MARKETING & GRAPHICS INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
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MICHELLE THAI WELLNESS INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
DINORAH HERNANDEZ MENSTRUATION EQUITY INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/ELLA
MARIAH ROSARIO MARKETING & GRAPHICS INTERN PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS
WOMXN'S CENTER FOR SUCCESS MISSION STATEMENT The Womxn’s Center for Success at UC Irvine advances gender equity by raising consciousness on social justice concepts, fostering
LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION Location: G458 4th Floor Student Center South RISE Suite Irvine, CA 92697
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
personal growth, building community connections, encouraging identity development and increasing access to resources that support holistic wellness.
Menstrual hygiene products, scantrons & Blue Books, FRESH Hub snacks, chocolate, hot tea A variety of literature on feminism/feminist theory, intersectionality, sexuality, and more External condoms, finger condoms, dental dams, and lubricant Weekly programming Art therapy materials 6
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As a result of participating in the Womxn’s Center for Success programs, students will be able to: Discover identity as it intersects with gender. Identify systems of power, privilege, and oppression
related to gender. Create meaningful community connections. Improve holistic practices that center physical,
emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Integrate skills and practices that empower personal
growth. 7
WOMXN'S HERSTORY AT UCI The Women's Center at the University of California, Irvine first opened in the 1973-74 academic year and was staffed by five volunteer coordinators and other volunteers. Supported by the Associated Students of UCI, its activities and services included a library, a calendar of activities, and several committees. The Center also offered a reading group, self-defense classes, consciousness-raising groups, day care, and information on health services. In 1994 the Women's Resource Center became the Center for Women and Gender Education. In the fall of 2001, the center was renamed the Center for Women and Men.
Supported by the Office of Student Affairs, the Center offered programs concerning gender issues for both women and men, while continuing to address the special needs and interests of women. In 2006, funding for the Center for Women and Men was suspended until the Womxn’s Hub was born in the Fall of 2016. The Hub then renamed to Womxn’s Center for Success in Summer of 2021. With a move to its own space on the 4th floor of the Student Center and an establishment of more permanent funding sources, the Hub was ready to become a center again!
The Womxn's Center for Success was
founded through the collaboration of some dynamic womxn. The former Director of the UCI Cross-Cultural Center, Jade Agua, partnered with former Director of the Womxn's Hub, Tamara Austin, to discuss the lack of a womxn's center at UCI. They discovered that the campus had a previous womxn's center and due to budget cuts, the center was disbanded. They assessed the number of womxn who were coming to the Cross-Cultural Center and used the Gender Initiative to bring the womxn's center back. A renovated space in the Cross-Cultural Center became the new home of the Womxn’s Hub. The center opened in September 2016 and served over 1,000 students in the first year. 8
FEATURED PROGRAMS MEET OUR COUNSELOR IN RESIDENCE Shruti Mukkamala is a former international student who has been living in the U.S. for 15 years now. She values education and the opportunities it brings, and looks forward to helping students as they navigate their educational journey. Her experiences of being a first-generation immigrant and a womxn of color in the U.S. have deeply impacted her personal identity and professional interests. She has a particular interest in working with womxn of color in STEM fields, international and immigrant womxn, graduate students and Asian and Asian American womxn. Dr. Shruti hosts group sessions to our Sad Girls Club at UCI quarterly. Join the Sad Girls Club at UCI Facebook group to attend live sessions!
Dr. Shruti Mukkamala, Ph.D.
SAD GIRLS CLUB AT UCI The Sad Girls Club at UCI Facebook group was created in Fall 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic with the intention to normalize ALL the emotions we feel as humans (the good, bad, sad, and happy). It is a safe virtual space to connect and process all feelings for those who want to share about their experiences without societal judgment. With over 140 members, this community is full of support, empowerment, and emotional and social wellness. It provides a peer to
peer space to normalize all feelings in a world where womxn are often shamed for emotions. 9
WE RISE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The We Rise Ambassador Program was created in Fall 2020 to provide a volunteer experience for students who are passionate about the work of the Womxn’s Center for Success, and who want to build community connections through social media outreach and in-person events. Ambassadors have the opportunity to create events to promote the Womxn’s Center and bring awareness to womxn’s issues. This program also includes personal and professional development opportunities so that Ambassadors integrate skills and practices that empower personal growth.
WORKSHOP OFFERINGS Radical Self-Care (50 Minutes) – In this workshop, Womxn’s Center staff will hold space to
talk about our perceptions of self-care, suggestions and benefits for practicing taking care of ourselves, collect resources that can assist us and end with a guided meditation. Womxn’s Center for Success 101 (30 Minutes) – 30 Minutes (Included in all workshops above
but can be delivered on it’s own) – This short presentation is available to introduce students, faculty, and staff to the offerings of the Womxn’s Center for Success. Womxn’s Center Staff will go over upcoming events, support services, and resources that our office provides. Breaking Barriers: The Status of Womxn in Leadership (50 Minutes) – Interested in
learning more about womxn’s leadership and the different barriers womxn face? In this workshop, we will discuss the challenges that womxn in leadership face and how we can work to combat these difficulties. The Art of Job Negotiation (Student & Staff/Faculty Tracks Available) - (90 Minute
Session) - The gender pay gap grows larger over time during a womxn’s career. This workshop will prepare participants with the knowledge needed to build confidence to negotiate for better benefits and pay no matter what point they are at in their journey. Gender Identity - Coming Fall 2021
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EMPOWERHER SUMMIT The EmpowerHER Summit is an annual leadership conference hosted by the Womxn’s Center for Success. The event is free for all undergraduate and graduate students, and all UCI-affiliated faculty and community members are welcome. The Summit serves as a space for students to harness their power and potential and learn valuable lessons and skills from a diverse list of guest speakers. At the
2021 EmpowerHER Summit, panelists discussed a range of issues, including advocacy, leadership, mentorship, financial wellness, and mental health.
DYNAMIC WOMXN OF UCI AWARDS The Dynamic Womxn of UCI Awards event celebrates and
honors the incredible womxn who are leaders and role models actively making a difference in our community. This is a one of
a kind celebration focused on the womxn who inspire us to take action and to fight for causes we believe in. The awards ceremony is hosted during Spring, and the categories include Outstanding Social Justice Activist Award, Academic Achievement Award, Spotlight Award, Dynamic Womxn of the Year Award, Tamara Austin Legacy Award, Ally Award, and Alumni & Community Award. 11
CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER Location: On Ring Road, across from Starbucks and Aldrich Hall
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 9 am-5 pm; Friday, 9 am-4 pm
MISSION & VALUES
The Cross-Cultural Center is the primary center on campus for
To be a space on campus
cultural programming & education and is home to five
for students to imagine
ABOUT THE CCC
student umbrella organizations, including Alyansa ng mga
and inspire an equitable,
Kababayan, American Indian Student Association (AISA),
socially just campus, to
Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA), Black Student Union
affirm and develop
(BSU), and Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlan
intersectional, cultural
(MEChA). The Womxn’s Hub is proud and grateful to be
identities, and to build a
hosted by the Cross on the second floor of the building.
more inclusive community.
The Cross was founded in 1974 after faculty, staff, and students noticed the need to serve ethnic minority students and
The Cross stands on the
offer them a social-cultural support system. The space is
values of Activism, Social
characterized by its beautiful murals, artwork, and artifacts.
Justice, Community, Empowerment and Diversity.
While students are able to attend programming and seek services from professional staff, they are also able to study, lounge, and meet new people in the many seating areas found around the space. For more information, visit https://ccc.uci.edu/ 12
LGBTRC
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER RESOURCE CENTER The LGBTRC offers education & advocacy services for intersectional identity development and is a space inclusive of all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. Its core values include diversity, social justice, education, student development, holistic wellness, advocacy, visibility, and leadership.
One of the programs hosted by the LGBTRC is Grrrl Talk, which is a space for feminine/femme gender identiyfing students to meet and discuss topics that
intersect with ideas of femininity. Location: Third Floor of Student Center Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
OTHER PROGRAMS & TERMINOLOGY SHEET Queers Unidos Eternamente Sobresaliendo Oscuridad. A group for students who hold the
intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Latinx identities. Irvine Queers: A group for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. T-Time. A program for transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender questioning people. Guyyy Talk. A program for masculine/masc gender identifying people. Ace/Aro. A program for asexual, aromantic, and/or questioning people. QTIPOC. A program for Queer Trans Indigenous and Intersex People of Color. Stay Woke. A space for discussion of local, national, and global news. Bi/Pan/Fluid. A program for bisexual, pansexual, fluid, attracted to multiple genders, and/or
questioning people.
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FRESH BASIC NEEDS HUB The FRESH Basic Needs Hub is a community resource that offers a food & toiletry pantry, social work consultations, CalFresh application assistance, access
to supplemental meal swipes, life skills workshops, and more. Location: End of Lot 5 in the
Anteater Community Resource Center Hours: FRESH will be operational
to all students through Fall Quarter. Visit their website for up-to-date hours of operation.
INFANT TODDLER CENTER The Infant Toddler Center is a childcare facility available to UCI students, staff, and faculty. The Center helps ensure parents and guardians are able to maintain both careers and families. Additionally, the Center strives to establish continuity between home care and day care so children and their families are best served. Tuition rates and applications may be found on their website.
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OTHER STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP CENTERS In addition to the Womxn’s Hub, Cross-Cultural Center, LGBTRC, and FRESH, departments under Student Life & Leadership include: Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct: https://aisc.uci.edu/
Office of Campus Organizations: https://campusorgs.uci.edu/
Center for Black Cultures Resources, and Research: https://blackcultures.uci.edu/
Latinx Resource Center: https://latinx.uci.edu/ Center for Student Leadership: https://studentleadership.uci.edu/
Office of the Dean of Students: https://dos.uci.edu/ DREAM Center: https://dream.uci.edu/ International Center: https://ic.uci.edu/ Sorority & Fraternity Life: https://sororityfraternity.uci.edu/ Student Outreach and Retention Center: https://soar.uci.edu/
Sustainability Resource Center: https://sustainability.uci.edu/studentinvolvement/src/
Veteran Services Center: https://veteran.uci.edu/ Volunteer Programs: https://volunteer.uci.edu/ 15
COUNSELING CENTER To make an appointment and initiate services, call 949-824-6457. The Counseling Center is available to all UCI undergraduate and graduate students and offers individual, couples, group, and family counseling. The Counseling Center also offers courses regarding interpersonal and developmental issues such as cross cultural interaction, intimacy and friendships, interpersonal communication, and coping and resiliency. Services are free of charge to currently enrolled students who have paid registration fees. All services and
the records produced from these services remain confidential to the extent allowed by law.
OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY (OEOD) OEOD is a campus office tasked with ensuring the University complies with federal and state law and University policies and procedures regarding discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sex offenses. In instances of discrimination, sexual
harassment, and/or sex offense, members of the UCI community may submit a report to OEOD. Any inquiries you may have regarding policy can be sent to Kirsten K. Quanbeck (Associate Chancellor, Equal Opportunity and Compliance): Phone: (949) 824-5594 Email: oeod@uci.edu
Submit a report here. 16
CAMPUS ASSAULT RESOURCES AND EDUCATION (CARE) Access virtual resources by calling (949) 824-7273 or emailing care@uci.edu. The CARE Office is a resource open to all members of the UCI community seeking free and confidential services regarding sexual assault, relationship abuse, family violence, and/or stalking. CARE offers opportunities for education and
programming in order to end power-based personal violence. More information about their support services may be found on their website.
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT (TBTN)
Experience UCI Take Back the Night 2020! Take Back the Night is an annual event hosted by CARE to raise awareness for sexual violence and honor survivors. TBTN falls during April, which is Sexual
Assault Awareness Month. A feature of TBTN includes the Clothesline Project, which is a display of t-shirts decorated by those affected by violence. Additionally, students are able to explore a variety of resources and organizations at the Education Fair and hear from keynote speakers. The evening concludes with a candlelight march, commemorating survivors and creating a physical display of
support. 17
CENTER FOR STUDENT WELLNESS AND HEALTH PROMOTION Location: Third floor of the Student Center
Hours of Operation: MondayFriday, 8 am-5 pm
SERVICES Condom Co-Op, where
students may receive up to five free condom co-op items and two free lubricants per day Consultations on topics
The Center for Student Wellness and
including alcohol, tobacco,
Health Promotion is committed to
other drugs, sexual health,
addressing students’ unique and relevant
nutrition, mental health
health needs and concerns. The Center
awareness, and wellness
provides comprehensive programs and
Lactation Station
coordinated services to build awareness
Wellness Room, which
through assessment and goal-setting,
includes massage chairs,
create balance by taking a wellness-
meditation pillows, four
based approach to health, develop
memory foam bean bags,
healthy and sustainable habits, take pride
tea station, and self-guided
in achieving your personal best, and inspire
wellness activities
community by leading fellow Anteaters to
Workshops
be healthy. 18
SEX WEEK Each year, the Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion hosts Sex Week during the week
of Valentine’s Day. Students attend events such as sex positivitea hour, dating app workshops, and the
resource fair. Of course, free condoms and condom cases are made
available!
ACCESS MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS Free pads and tampons may be found in the following campus
locations: Womxn’s Center for Success FRESH Basic Needs Hub Entry level womxn’s and gender inclusive restroom locations Restroom across from RISE Suite
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LACTATION SUPPORT We are proud to announce our own Lactation Room in the Womxn's Center for Success in Room G431 opening in Winter 2022.. In our new
private lactation room, you will find a comfortable sofa to relax and lactate, a mini fridge for milk storage, storage area for your personal use, chair and table, coloring books for your children, cleaning wipes for your pump, and area for diaper changing. In total, UCI currently has 14 campus locations for lactation. The Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion, located on the third floor of the Student Center also offers a lactation station open MondayFriday from 8 am-5 pm. Access is based on a first come,
first serve basis for 30 minutes at a time. Room assignments may be accessed here. Use the interactive map to locate stations by clicking on the image.
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GENDER INCLUSIVE RESTROOM LOCATIONS UCI has designated all person, all access restrooms across campus for community members who may be transgender, non-binary, or gender fluid in identity and/or expression. We also have community members who are parents, disabled, or need a space to prepare for prayer. Since 2009, the LGBTRC has worked diligently to bring our campus over 200 gender inclusive restrooms.
Use the interactive map to locate gender inclusive restrooms by clicking on the image below. Notable locations include Aldrich Hall, Anteater Recreation Center, Cross-Cultural Center, and Student Center - ASUCI Wing.
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DEPARTMENT OF GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES
The Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies (GSS) is the center for feminist scholarship at UCI. As scholars, the Department is committed to drawing attention to how the constructions around gender and sexuality are not natural nor rooted in biology but rather in the cultural, political, and economic processes that develop them. The Department utilizes
three methods in their teaching and research: Feminist Transnational Analysis, Critical Interdisciplinarity, and Cultural Theory. Here is a list of courses you may take if you would like to learn more about gender and sexuality studies:
Introduction to Queer Studies Gender and Feminism in Everyday Life Gender and Power Gender and Popular Culture Gender and Science Gender and Law Gender and Religion 22
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE CHAIR, DR. JEANNE SCHEPER Dear Anteaters, As much as we will miss virtual backgrounds, pets, and knowing everyone’s name and pronouns all the time, we are prepared to welcome students back (with COVID precautions) to in person classes and activities for Fall 2021 with the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies. And we have the pleasure of introducing you to two new faculty members who will be joining our faculty after a national search in Black Feminist Theory and Cultural Studies: Dr. Mahaliah Little and Dr. Rudo Mudiwa. Throughout the coming year, we invite you to join us for engaged conversations inside and outside the classroom, in person and in some cases online, on a range of topics from Afghanistan and women’s rights to the local and global conditions for LGBTQ asylum seekers to the race and gender disparities of care work during the pandemic. Undergraduates can take in person classes this year including introductory courses in Gender and Power (Fall 50B), Gender and Popular Culture, and Gender and Feminism in Everyday Life, which fulfill GE requirements. Students can also join a rich and growing major in GSS or explore options for minoring in either GSS or Queer Studies. As a GSS student, you will have access to strong faculty mentorship and a close-knit student cohort who are taking upper division courses on a range of topics including Money, Sex, and Power (Fall GSS 110B) with Prof. Kang, Wayward Womanhood (Fall GSS 171) with Prof. Rudo Mudiwa, and Queer Knowledges (Fall GSS 100D), which I will be teaching, as well as cross-listed classes such as African Feminisms (Winter 2022) with Prof. Willoughby-Herard. Among the key approaches to the study of gender and sexuality that our department emphasizes are: 1) Feminist Transnational Analysis 2) Critical Interdisciplinarity and 3) Cultural Theory. Graduate students can pursue a Graduate Feminist Emphasis, and this gives them advanced training and opportunities to present their research at our lunchtime talk series, TA for GSS classes, and develop an interdisciplinary feminist community. As part of GSS, you will be helping to create and sustain a fierce intellectual community with ties across the campus and to national and international feminist organizations and transnational social movements. As we continue to witness and partake in the watershed events taking place in the U.S. around accountability for anti-Black state violence and the longer impacts of colonialism and slavery on current systemic inequalities, our students are taking up the most pressing issues of our time. They are engaged in reading and research and seeking ways to put their analyses into action through cultural production, advocacy, and scholaractivism. So, whether this year we meet through video conferencing, online discussion threads, social media, and—finally in person once again, we are hoping to work with you in myriad and meaningful ways.
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REGISTERED CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
We have highlighted the organizations that are affiliated with the Womxn's Center for Success on this page.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Women in Leadership (WIL) is a student organization at
UCI with a mission to bring together a community of undergraduate students interested in exploring the opportunities and potentials of women in leadership and business. Open to all majors and backgrounds, WIL provides speaking engagements by successful leaders from a
wide variety of industries, professional and personal development workshops, networking mixers, and a mentorship program with undergraduate peers as well as MBA students. Empowering women to believe in themselves and to set goals aligned with their dreams,
WIL also promotes leadership opportunities for members to practice responsible citizenship.
SUPERPOSITION Superposition is an international non-profit
organization working to bridge the gender gap in tech by empowering young women and non-binary students and offering them
opportunities to explore their passions. Superposition at UC Irvine is a collegiate branch of @superpositionfc, aiming to bridge the gender gap in STEM with opportunities and community. Their mission is to empower women in STEM by creating educational opportunities & supportive spaces for developing their passions
specifically in the Irvine/Orange Country area, but
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everyone is open to attend all online events.
We have highlighted some student-led organizations that may interest you. To view all registered campus organizations and their descriptions, please visit this page.
HER CAMPUS Her Campus is an online magazine for college womxn. Its mission is to “fill the hole in the media marketplace for media that responds directly to the needs of college womxn.” By writing for Her Campus, students have the freedom to discuss topics of importance to them and are able to
connect to professional opportunities READ NOW!
in journalism.
FEMINIST ILLUMINATI OF UC IRVINE Feminist Illuminati is a student organization orientated towards fostering inclusiveness at UCI, as well as lending support to marginalized groups on campus. Feminist Illuminati values intersectionality, student-led activism, and effective response to injustice. GET CONNECTED
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PLANNED PARENTHOOD GENERATION ACTION Planned Parenthood Generation Action at the University of California, Irvine exists to educate the university's community about reproductive health and reproductive health rights, to increase awareness on
pro-choice activism on campus, and to serve as a coalition partner to state, national, and international reproductive rights efforts. GET CONNECTED
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF UCI (A&PW)
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Girls in STEM HEART Women & Girls at UCI Hermanas Unidas de UCI Society of Women Engineers Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE) Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), Women in Information and
Academic & Professional Women of UCI is
Computer Sciences, Women in
an organization for staff, faculty, and
Leadership at UCI (WIL), Women in
students to raise awareness of
Physics and Astronomy at UCI,
“contributions of women to the mission of
Women of Color in Tech
UCI,” foster the advancement of womxn at
Womxn's Rowing Team, Rugby,
UCI, and provide networking opportunities for womxn employed at UCI.
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Soccer, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Polo
JOINING A SORORITY Recognized sororities at UCI belong to our center for Sorority & Fraternity Life. The community strives towards building inclusivity and fostering leaders who stand by the values, oaths, and commitments of their respective chapters. Additionally, Sorority & Fraternity Life engages with alumni, volunteers, campus administration, and the greater community as a way of shaping a meaningful and purposeful undergraduate experience. According to data from Fall 2019, Sorority & Fraternity Life has a total of 1,824 members, 1,062 of which are Sorority members. Please visit the Sororities page to learn more about joining a chapter, which includes chapters belonging to the Panhellenic Association, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
If you would like to start your own registered campus organization at UCI, here is a guide to the registration requirements: Have 3-5 signers (must be current UCI students) Complete Agreement Forms & COOL Orientation Upload Constitution Pay $50 Registration Fee (by cash, check, or existing ASUCI account) Attend a New Org Orientation Session (MANDATORY for new organizations) New Org Advising Meeting (MANDATORY for new organizations) 26
LOCAL BUSINESSES WE LOVE BISHOPS CUTS/COLOR Location: University Center Bishops Cuts/Color offers haircut, color, style, and treatment services to all individuals. Bishops is minority-owned and womxn & LGBTQIA+ led and staffed. They strive to empower people to be who they want, free of judgment.
3 THIRTY 3 NAIL BAR Location: University Center Get your nails done at 3 Thirty 3 Nail Bar. Facials and waxing services are also available. Check in with Yelp & show active student ID for 10% off your services!
HAPPY NAILS & SPA Location: Campus Plaza More nail, skincare, and beauty services are also available at Happy Nails & Spa.
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LOCAL BUSINESSES WE LOVE NECTAR CLOTHING Location: University Center Fulfill your wardrobe needs at Nectar Clothing, a clothing boutique tailored for those who love adventure, nature, and being with friends.
YOGA SHAKTI Location: University Center Visit Yoga Shakti for yoga, meditation, ayurveda, acupuncture, and teacher training. Yoga Shakti offers a variety of pricing packages, ranging from single classes to monthly memberships. They are also now offering online classes!
9ROUND FITNESS Location: University Center Join 9Round for kickboxing themed fitness programs! There are no class times, so you may visit whenever your schedule allows. Trainers are available to both help develop skills. Online workouts and free at-home workouts are available online now.
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PHOTO CREDITS KAYDEN PELLY, INSTAGRAM: @TEATREETEARS_ PAGE: 6
UCI OFFICE OF INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE PAGE: 12
CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER PAGE: 12
FRESH BASIC NEEDS HUB PAGE: 14
CENTER FOR STUDENT WELLNESS & HEALTH PROMOTION PAGE: 18, 19
JEANNE SCHEPER PAGE: 22
HER CAMPUS AT UCI PAGE: 24
PLANNED PARENTHOOD GENERATION ACTION AT UCI PAGE: 25
UCI SORORITY & FRATERNITY LIFE PAGE: 26
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THANK YOU FOR READING Developing the Womxn's Guide to UCI as a resource to our community would not have been possible without the active contribution and work being done by our various campus partners. Our hope is that you are able to use this guide as a means to help you navigate through your experience at UCI with involvement, wellness, and connection opportunities. Our intention is to also allow for a more equitable experience for all people on campus through this guide and to make the in-person transition a little bit easier. Due to the recent pandemic, we have all learned first-hand that circumstances and needs are constantly changing- we even had a
recent office name change- and we understand that it is not always easy to navigate through sudden change. As our office name suggests, we hope this guide and our resources can help you be successful in your endeavors at UCI and that you are able to find a sense of community within our space. We encourage you to stay connected with us on social media or via email to further engage with the community. Please know that our staff
is always available to provide support and assistance to you and are eager to get to know you. We greatly appreciate the support you have shown us by using this guide as a resource during your experience at UCI!
For specific questions, concerns, or feedback about the guide, please email womxnscenter@uci.edu with the subject "Womxn's Guide to UCI
Feedback". Thank you! Soniya Manju
Community Education Intern She/Her/Hers 30