Our Diversity Statement:

In the department of Global Studies our understanding of the Global highlights the recognition of differences and diverse perspectives, beliefs, heritage, languages, and cultures around the world. We promote diversity to foster greater understanding of our interconnected world. As a core component of excellence, diversity also enhances our ability to achieve the mission of teaching, research and public service. We have carried forward the UC-wide diversity mission in our intellectual and social engagements. 

Our research, teaching and practice reflect our collective recognition that beyond individual or group biases, systems of oppression are built on historical and institutional domination and power. The Department of Global Studies works to make material changes to institutions of the university that structurally erect barriers to equity for students, staff, and faculty that have been historically oppressed, marginalized, underrepresented or underserved. We are invested in increasing greater representation of individuals from all races, religions, gender identities, and economic backgrounds in our department and at UCSB. To this end, we strive to nurture a climate that welcomes and represents all sectors of the state’s diversity population.

California demographics by race and age

Image from https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-population/ on November 26, 2023

Our department is a scholarly community that aims to provide models of collegiality and professionalism to our students. As a UC campus, we are mindful of our obligation to ensure an inclusive and civil environment that respects the rights of all students to academic freedom, non-discrimination, and dignified treatment. All members of our community are expected to honor these norms of civility and respect in all interactions between and among faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff. Unprofessional and inappropriate behavior in our community includes public disparagement of any member of the community on the basis of any identity, background, belief, sexual orientation, disability or personal condition (our community standards can be found on p. 37-38 of the Graduate Student Handbook). We want our students to contribute to the campus community in a manner that enhances diversity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging.

UCSB is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution, as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. To learn more about UCSB student demographics, please see the current Campus Profile. Our department has put considerable effort into diversifying our student body, but we do not play a direct role in undergraduate admissions. However, for graduate student recruitment, we are intentional about sending outreach materials to UC-HBCU students, Sally Casanova Scholars, and McNair Scholars who indicate interest in Global Studies or a related field. We have also targeted Hispanic Serving Institutions in California, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities to spread awareness about our graduate programs. Additionally, when evaluating graduate applicants we use holistic review to ensure that we look at candidates from multiple angles, and make an effort to recruit a well-rounded, diverse cohort. For more information on graduate recruitment, please contact gd-global@global.ucsb.edu.

Photo of the Fall 2023 MA Cohort