Blog Post

Thinking about applying for a faculty position at the University of California San Diego (see hundreds of openings here) or other public universities in California like the University of California-Berkeley? Here’s a checklist for your application materials:

Cover Letter? √

Curriculum Vitae (CV)? √

Letters of Recommendation? √

References? √

Teaching Evaluations? √

Statement of Teaching? √

At most universities that would cover just about everything necessary, but at the University of California-San Diego (and other UC campuses) you’ll also be required to submit one more document that could have a huge impact on your chances of getting hired — a “Contributions to Diversity Statement” for any faculty position, here are some details:

All candidates applying for faculty appointments at UC San Diego are required to submit a personal statement on their contributions to diversity. The purpose of the statement is to identify candidates who have the professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that will advance our campus diversity and equity goals. Departments and search committees should consider a candidate’s statement as part of a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of their qualifications.

Here are more details from a UC San Diego document titled “Guidelines for Applicants Writing Statement“:

The Contributions to Diversity Statement should describe your past efforts, as well as future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. It should also demonstrate an understanding of the barriers facing women and underrepresented minorities and of UC San Diego’s mission to meet the educational needs of our diverse student population. Some faculty candidates may not have substantial past activities. If such cases, we recommend focusing on future plans in your statement. However, please note that a demonstrated record of past effort is given greater weight than articulating awareness of barriers or stating future plans. A more developed and substantial plan is expected for senior candidates. Describe how you plan to contribute to diversity at UC San Diego, including activities you would pursue and how they would fit into your research area, department, campus, or national context. Be as specific as possible, but realistic about your level of effort and time commitment. For purposes of evaluating contributions to diversity, under-represented groups (URGs) includes underrepresented ethnic or racial minorities (URM), women, LGBTQ, first-generation college, people with disabilities, and people from underprivileged backgrounds.