At UC Santa Barbara, our community encompasses a rich and diverse mix of cultures, backgrounds, talents, and perspectives. This diversity is an essential part of our academic excellence. The opportunities we have before us to continue to support and engage the UCSB and larger community to be a safe, welcoming and nourishing environment for LGBTQ students are truly incredible. Though the ongoing efforts of the Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity, in partnership with the campus community, we believe that people's identities and best selves can be truly fostered in the spirit of love, respect, celebration and learning.
University of California, Santa Barbara
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Campus Facts & Figures
Region: West | |
City/State: Santa Barbara, CA | |
Locale: Small City (25,000 to 100,000) | |
Student Population (FTE): 20,000 | |
In-State Tuition: $14,000.00 | |
Out-of-State Tuition: $38,000.00 | |
Institution Website: http://wgse.sa.ucsb.edu/sgd/home |
Institution Type: |
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Doctoral/Research University Public/State University Residential Campus Hispanic Serving Institution |
LGBTQ Student Opportunities
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Colleges and universities want LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to be out and proud as part of the diversity of the campus community. The Campus Pride Index provides campuses the opportunity to come out as LGBTQ-friendly and take responsibility for continually improving their LGBTQ campus climate.
The Campus Pride Index features LGBTQ student opportunities by highlighting the positive work within higher education across the country. Prospective students and families may choose the best LGBTQ campuses searching the tool based on area of study, cost, location, type of campus and LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practice for their college search.
Reminder: Learn more by signing-up for FREE to participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ-friendly National College Fair Program in eight different cities and the Campus Pride National Online College Fair.
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Commitment to LGBTQ Issues

Our Synopsis

Our campus is also proud to offer a minor in LGBTQ Studies in our Department of Feminist Studies. Beyond the classroom, our vibrant LGBTQ campus organizations, mentorship programs, and educational and social events help create an engaging community. Our Rainbow House and gender-inclusive housing and restrooms offer supportive residential environments. Our campus also offers LGBTQ programming throughout the year, including films, performances, and a Pride Week each spring.
Featured Quotes

Why you'll love University of California, Santa Barbara
The LGBTQ community at UCSB is very diverse. We have a lot of cultural and social organizations that target specific intersections of the LGBTQ population. It provides a great balance of education, community and politics.
— UCSB Communications and Feminist Students student, Class of 2015
I think our queer community is huge and strong. We all have unique stories and experiences and learn from one another. As a transgender identified, queer person, I want to make it easier for not only myself, but also all LGBTQ community members to exist in different spaces safely and comfortably.
— UCSB Sociology and Asian Studies student, Class of 2016
As a queer Chicanx, my goals are to create positive changes for marginalized sexual and gender identities, which I have worked towards at UCSB. I love the sense of community that LGBTQ identified folks have built. It not only helps us cope with our struggles but provides empowerment through the care for one another.
— UCSB Feminist and Chican@ Studies student, Class of 2017
Highlights & Organizations

Upcoming events
6/5/2016
Lavender Graduation - a celebration that recognizes LGBTQ students
10/6/2016
Trans Revolution Series
10/3/2015
LGBTQ Student Orientation
4/25/2016
Safe Zone Trainings Highlighting Intersections within the LGBTQ Community
4/20/2016
Fashion Show with Previous hosts Ms. J Alexander and Isis King
Admissions

Admissions Office
University of California, Santa Barbara Admissions Office
UC Santa Barbara Office of Admissions
University of California, Santa Barbara
1210 Cheadle Hall University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbra, CA 93106
Phone: (805) 893-2881
Website: http://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/
Admission Application Deadline:
November 30
Overall Campus Pride Index Score

The Campus Pride Index has a strong theoretical research foundation in LGBTQ current programs, practices and policies for safer, more inclusive campus learning environments. The index tool has been tested extensively since 2001 and recently updated with new, higher LGBTQ national benchmarks in 2015.
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. Campus Pride commends the campuses participating in the index and their willingness to come out, be visible and actively advocate for improving higher education for LGBTQ people.
University of California, Santa Barbara
LGBTQ-friendly break-down by inclusion factors
Sexual Orientation Score | 4.5 of 5 |
Gender Identity/Expression Score | 4.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Policy Inclusion | 4.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment | 4.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Academic Life | 4 of 5 |
LGBTQ Student Life | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Campus Safety | 3.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention Efforts | 5 of 5 |
Sections greyed out mean the campus does not offer those services |
LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card

LGBTQ Policy Inclusion
Non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation | |
Non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity/expression | |
Health insurance coverage to employees’ same sex partner | |
Accessible, simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents | |
Accessible, simple process for students to change their gender identity on university records and documents | |
Students have option to self-identify sexual orientation on admission application or post enrollment forms | |
Students have option to self-identify gender identity/expression on admission application or post enrollment forms |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment
Resource center/office with responsibilities for LGBTQ students | |
Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBTQ support services | |
Ally program or Safe Space/Safe Zone | |
Actively seek to employ diversity of faculty & staff including visible, out LGBTQ people | |
Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ issues | |
LGBTQ alumni group |
LGBTQ Academic Life
LGBTQ studies program | |
LGBTQ specific course offerings | |
Actively recruit faculty for LGBTQ-related academic scholarship | |
New faculty/staff training opportunities on sexual orientation issues | |
New faculty/staff training opportunities on gender identity issues | |
LGBTQ faculty/staff organization |
LGBTQ Student Life
LGBTQ & Ally student organization | |
LGBTQ & Ally graduate student organization | |
LGBTQ social fraternity/sorority | |
Regularly plans LGBTQ social activities | |
Regularly plans educational events on transgender issues | |
Regularly offers educational events surrounding intersectionality of identities for LGBTQ people | |
LGBTQ-inclusive career services |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life
LGBTQ living space, theme floors and/or living-learning community | |
Roommate matching for LGBTQ students to find LGBTQ-friendly roommate | |
Gender-inclusive housing for new students | |
Gender-inclusive housing for returning students | |
Gender-inclusive/single occupancy restroom facilities in campus housing | |
Gender-inclusive/single occupancy shower facilities in campus housing | |
Trains residence life and housing staff at all levels on LGBTQ issues and concerns |
LGBTQ Campus Safety
Procedure for reporting LGBTQ related bias incidents and hate crimes | |
Active ongoing training for hate crime prevention | |
Active outreach to LGBTQ students and student organization | |
Trains campus police on sexual orientation issues | |
Trains campus police on gender identity/expression issues | |
Supports victims of LGBTQ sexual violence and partner violence |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health
LGBTQ counseling/support groups | |
Trans-inclusive trained counseling staff | |
Free, anonymous and accessible HIV/STI testing | |
LGBTQ-inclusive health information and safer sex materials available | |
Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers ongoing counseling services | |
Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers hormone replacement therapy |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention
Annually participates in LGBTQ admission fairs | |
LGBTQ student scholarships | |
LGBTQ mentoring program to welcome and assist LGBTQ students in transitioning to academic and college life | |
Special Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ students and allies | |
Admission counselors receive LGBTQ-inclusive training and resources |