Campus Centers
An ecosystem created to strengthen and sustain basic needs security across UC
In only six years, the university evolved from having no systemwide basic needs infrastructure to launching busy basic needs centers at all 10 of its campuses. These state-funded hubs serve thousands of students annually.
The centers aim to help students who have come upon emergency situations or unforeseen circumstances that have put their ability to meet their basic necessities at risk.
Successes
10 out of 10
All 10 UC campuses have established an on-site basic needs center, which provides access to food, emergency housing and support services.
48,000+
Over 48,000 students systemwide have been served by campus basic needs efforts in fiscal year 2019–20.
$18.5M
The California State Legislature currently provides $18.5 million in annual funding to the university to support basic needs and rapid rehousing efforts.
UC Essential Needs Directory and Navigator
Support Tool
- The UC Essential Needs Directory is an online directory that centralizes basic needs resources—like food support, housing assistance, health care, financial aid information, transportation help, and more—for students across the University of California system. It brings together up-to-date resource listings so users don’t have to navigate multiple individual campus sites to find help.
- The AI Chatbot Navigator is an AI-powered natural language assistant integrated with the directory. It lets students (and other UC community members) ask questions conversationally and receive direct, context-aware guidance on where to find relevant basic needs resources. This helps users get answers and points them toward services that match their needs.
Basic Needs Campus Centers
All 10 UC campuses have on-site basic needs centers, providing food, emergency housing and a comprehensive range of support services. Any UC student can use services at the basic needs center nearest them, not just on the campus where they are enrolled.
My need for assistance is COVID-/pandemic-related. Unfortunately, my housemates and I came directly into contact with someone who tested positive at the end of our lease. Unable to safely self-isolate at home due to underlying conditions of certain loved ones, I was unsure of where to go. I was recommended to the financial aid crisis team, and surely they went above and beyond to aid us.
UC Systemwide Reciprocity Resources
This document compiles the ongoing basic needs programs and services offered to all UC students, regardless of home campus and geographic location.