Policies and Guidance

Anti-Discrimination Law & Policy Compliance

The UCSB Division of Student Affairs affirms that all its programs and services are provided without discrimination or preferential treatment based on protected characteristics.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Establishes the University of California's formal commitment to nondiscrimination by prohibiting discriminatory practices and requiring all university-affiliated groups and programs to operate in accordance with the spirit of the law and respect for campus diversity.

Bike Safety

Provides a comprehensive guide to campus cycling etiquette, legal requirements, and safety protocols, covering essential topics such as navigating roundabouts, signaling turns, riding at night, and preventing theft through registration and proper locking. Includes policy on E-Scooters and E-Bikes. 

Campus Regulations Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students

Establish the rights, responsibilities, conduct standards, authority, organization of regulatory administration, and provisions for registered campus organizations – aligned with systemwide UC policies – to maintain effective, equitable operation of campus activities and ensure compliance across all university functions. The Campus Regulations include: 

• Speech and Advocacy: Policies on Time, Place, and Manner – Affirms that free expression – including speech, assembly, literature distribution, and worship – is permitted on publicly accessible university grounds, subject to time, place, and manner constraints to maintain orderly campus operations.
• Interim Student Conduct Code – Defines UCSB students’ rights and responsibilities – including standards for academic and non-academic conduct, disciplinary offenses and sanctions.
• Interim Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework – Establishes the formal procedures for investigating and adjudicating alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code, ensuring due process and impartiality through various resolution pathways such as alternative resolution, administrative decisions, and formal hearings.

Clery Act

The UC Santa Barbara Police Department, in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, publishes an Annual Security & Fire Safety Report – detailing policies, three years of crime and fire statistics, reporting procedures, and resources for campus safety across Clery-defined geography including on-campus, affiliated off-campus, and adjacent public property.

Digital Accessibility

UC Santa Barbara strives to provide an inclusive digital environment for our community members. Adhering to evolving federal regulations and University of California policies reinforces our core commitment to accessible information, tools, and opportunities.

Electronic Communications Policy

Establishes how the university balances academic freedom, privacy, and legal obligations in the use of electronic communications resources – outlining definitions, user responsibilities, permitted and prohibited uses, processes for monitoring and access (including non-consensual access under specific conditions), revocation of access, and authority of various campus roles in administering these policies.

Emergency Response Procedures

UCSB encourages students, parents, faculty and staff to become familiar with campus emergency response procedures, which were developed to assist you in preparing for future emergencies and taking appropriate actions to protect yourself and others in an emergency situation.

General Catalog

The General Catalog provides you with a comprehensive guide to academic engagement at UC Santa Barbara. Use it to find amazing classes, explore degree programs, and discover academic passions.  

Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and Other Required Notifications

In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, UC Santa Barbara provides mandated disclosures to students – including details on academic programs and accreditations, transfer credit policies, campus safety reports, and other consumer information.

NCAA Compliance and California Legislation

Information to affirm UC Santa Barbara’s compliance with NCAA and legal requirements related to Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA). Equity in Athletics Disclosure Reports are also available on this webpage. 

Principles of Community

The UC Santa Barbara Principles of Community represent our collective commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment by affirming the intrinsic dignity of all individuals, protecting freedom of expression, and holding community members accountable for opposing bigotry and harassment. As opposed to an enforceable set of rules, these Principles serve as a guide for our shared values, emphasizing our personal and joint commitment to demonstrating these ideals through how we speak and behave.

Regulations Governing Conduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of the University of California

Sets forth specific rules and prohibitions for individuals not affiliated with the university – such as procedures and restrictions related to approval for activity, commercial activities, and signs and posters – to ensure the peaceful and orderly operation of campus facilities.

Restorative Justice

The Restorative Justice Program (RJP) is committed to providing community oriented solutions to UCSB students and staff through a variety of restorative practices. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment

The UC Smoke and Tobacco-Free policy prohibits all smoking and tobacco use – including electronic devices, marijuana, and unapproved nicotine products – across all UC-controlled locations (with limited ceremonial or research exemptions), sets expectations for community-wide compliance, enables location-specific enforcement (including possible fines up to $100), and emphasizes education and cessation support.

Student Education Records - Disclosure of Information

Affirms that student education records – ranging from academic evaluations and advising notes to transcripts and test scores – are protected and may only be disclosed with written student consent unless an exception applies (e.g., legitimate educational interest, legal requirement such as Clery Act compliance, threat to public safety, or the student’s death).

Student Grievance Procedure 

Establishes the formal process for students to file grievances – typically regarding allegations of discrimination or policy violations – by submitting complaints to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who then routes them for investigation and response within defined timelines to department heads, compliance officers, and other relevant reviewers; grade disputes are generally excluded unless tied to discrimination claims.

Substance Abuse Policy and Implementing Guidelines

Prohibits illegal drug use and abuse of legal substances on campus, provides confidential support services for students and employees, imposes mandatory reporting and potential sanctions (including termination or disciplinary proceedings) for those convicted under federal drug statutes, and outlines clear guidelines for alcohol-related events, counseling resources, and appeals processes.

Title IX, Sexual Violence, and Sexual Harassment Policies

Establishes the University's commitment to maintaining a safe learning and working environment by defining prohibited conduct – including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking – and outlining the mandatory reporting duties and administrative procedures for responding to such incidents.