UCOP just unveiled a significant restructuring that will help UC continue to deliver on its commitment to equity and academic success for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized groups.

A new department called Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs (GUEA) combines several units and programs in Academic Affairs — Diversity and Engagement, Student Affairs, Graduate Studies and the Innovative Learning Technology Initiative (ILTI) — into one.

The reorganization, which will include physically moving teams closer together on-site in Oakland, joins disparate functional areas at UCOP to collaborate on access, opportunity and academic success for UC students, staff, faculty and administrators.

Overseeing it all will be Yvette Gullatt, newly appointed to dual roles as vice president for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs and vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. A UC alum holding bachelor, master and doctoral degrees from UC Berkeley, Yvette has two decades of leadership experience in student affairs, diversity and institutional equity at UC and, since 1999, at UCOP.

The new structure is more than just a reshuffling of functional areas. Gullatt says, “By embracing a new model — one in which students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds are included in decision-making at the university — we are positioning UC as a transformative leader in inclusive excellence.”

Provost Michael Brown is optimistic about the restructuring: “In the months ahead, we will begin to see how fresh, innovative synergies and relationships among GUEA’s units can enhance the impact of this new department.”

The new functional areas under GUEA are described below.

• Academic Success Initiatives, led by Kari Stewart, focuses on student retention, success and completion, working with faculty to address equity and disparities in educational attainment.
• Educational Innovations and Services implements innovative technologies and online programs to provide online educational experiences for K–12 students, undergraduates, advanced degree-seekers and lifelong learners.
• Educator Programs, led by Claudia Martinez, supports campuses with curriculum and professional development and oversees the California Subject Matter Projects (CSMPs).
• Enrollment Services, co-led by Han Mi Yoon-Wu and Shawn Brick, oversees the undergraduate application process, admissions and financial aid.
• Graduate Studies, led by Pamela Jennings, manages outreach, coordination and advocacy for graduate research and preparation.
• Outreach and Educational Partnerships, led by Sandra Williams-Hamp, oversees UC’s Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnerships (SAPEP) and collaborates with K–12, other colleges and universities, and community-based organizations.
• Student and Equity Affairs, under the leadership of Liz Halimah, oversees policies for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion for UC stakeholders.

Visit the new Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs (GUEA) website. For questions, please contact Susan Brandabur.

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