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Accuracy of Information

The submission of any false or misleading information of any kind in support of an application for admission to the Graduate Division at the University of California, Berkeley, can result in the permanent cancellation or recision of admission by the Dean of the Graduate Division. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

• Information Practices Act
• Use of social security numbers
• Student records
• Campus Safety
• Ethnic survey
• Nondiscrimination statement

Information Practices Act

The State of California Information Practices Act of 1977 requires the university to provide the following information to applicants for admission who are asked to supply information about themselves. The principal purpose for requesting information is to process your application for admission. Maintenance of this information is authorized by university policy.

Furnishing information that is not designated as voluntary or optional is mandatory. Failure to provide such information will delay or can even prevent completion of the admission process.

Information furnished may be used by various university departments for admission and other student-related purposes, such as housing and financial aid. This information will be transmitted to the state and federal governments if required by law. Individuals have the right of access to this record as it pertains to them. The official responsible for maintaining the information is the Dean of the Graduate Division.

Use of Social Security Numbers

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974, applicants for a fellowship or graduate scholarship and other Graduate Division financial aid or benefits are hereby notified that disclosure of their social security numbers is mandatory. Social security numbers are required by the Graduate Division to verify the identity of each applicant. Social security numbers are used to link our admissions file with Financial Aid Office data, to link our application data with Graduate Record Examination scores from the Educational Testing Service, to link to the Payroll Office to verify amounts paid to students receiving teaching assistantships and research assistantships, and to link financial awards and admission data to registration histories and student records. This record-keeping system was established before January 1, 1975, pursuant to the authority of the Regents of the University of California under Article IX, Section 9, of the Constitution of the State of California. The university is required by federal law to report your social security number and other pertinent information to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the reporting requirements imposed by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

Student Records

After a student has accepted admission, disclosure of information from his or her student records is governed by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. (FERPA does not pertain to applicants who have not accepted admission.) In general, most information in a student’s records is confidential, and can be released to third parties only with the prior written consent of the student. Detailed information on this policy including what information can and cannot be released and to whom, is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Campus Safety

In accordance with the Jeanne Cleary Act, the University maintains a reference guide of safety information and procedures, annual campus crime statistics, and emergency-disaster preparedness information. For a copy of this report, Safety Counts, call (510) 642-9101, email ucpolice@berkeley.edu, or write to Police Department Campus Safety Programs, University of California, Berkeley, Police Department, 1 Sproul Hall #1199, Berkeley, CA 94720-1199. The report is also available online.

Ethnic Survey

The Graduate Division is required to provide reports to various federal and state agencies on the ethnic composition of the applicant population. Therefore, we ask that you answer the question about your ethnic identity on the graduate application for admission. The university holds such information on individuals as confidential and uses it only for statistical purposes. You may decline to state your ethnic identity.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and the university’s nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. This nondiscrimination policy covers student admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. It also covers faculty (Senate and non-Senate) and staff in their employment.

Inquiries regarding racial and sexual harassment may be directed to Nancy Chu, Title IX/VI Compliance Officer, by phone at (510) 643-7895 or email (tixco@berkeley.edu). The appropriate resource for inquiries regarding other types of discrimination may be identified through the website of Campus Climate and Compliance.