Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women* (CACSW) examines issues concerning all people who identify with an experience of womanhood at UC Berkeley, taking into account the different lived experiences of and systemic barriers faced by such individuals across race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, age, and the intersectionality of those experiences.

CACSW analyzes existing policies, procedures, and/or programs; proposes modifications or new initiatives; identifies model programs or activities for implementation; and recommends to the Chancellor changes that will afford women equitable and fair access to campus programs, activities, and opportunities, centering the needs of women most likely to face systemic barriers to access. Throughout our activities, CACSW pays particular attention to schools, departments, programs, and areas of campus where inequities disproportionately impact women. In addition, we serve as a member of the UC Systemwide Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (SACSW) through representation of the two Co-Chairs. 

*CACSW represents all who experience life through the lens of women in body, spirit, identity -- past, present, future, or fluid.

Our Values

• All individuals who identify with the experience of being a woman should be afforded the same opportunities, advocacy, and resources.

• It is our responsibility and duty to highlight and magnify womxn’s issues, especially those that disproportionately impact women of color, women in lower positions of power and influence, and those in untapped communities. 

• Our efforts should result in positive changes on campus, within UC, and beyond.

• We celebrate and recognize diversity and differences.

• We practice and expect transparency. 

• Our positions and advocacy are informed by the views, situations, and issues of the individuals we represent.

• Foster a supportive and collaborative community even in times of resource scarcity. 

• Champion representation over power.

Accomplishments

• Members of CACSW were instrumental in pushing for a UC-wide Family Paid Leave benefit. UC’s Council of Chancellors unanimously approved the recommendation, making the policy effective July 1, 2020.
• In collaboration with People and Culture, CACSW launched and is a co-sponsor of the Berkeley Women's Initiative.
• In partnership with the Special Faculty Advisor to the Chancellor on SVSH, CACSW's joint policy recommendation for enhanced SVSH training on campus led to the implementation of a formal adjudication training.

CACSW currently has two priority areas:

• Campus Leadership Advocacy
• Women's Initiative