Heidi Hardt
Associate Professor, Political Science
Hi! I'm Heidi Hardt, and I’m the Equity Advisor (EQA) for the UCI School of Social Sciences. Equity advisors assist with recruitment, retention, remediation, distribute resources to faculty and work with leaders toward making the school a more inclusive and equitable space (see the list of roles and responsibilities). I serve on our Current Committee on Faculty Diversity, Inclusion and Development (CFDID).
Below is a collection of some resources that might be helpful for our faculty. If you’re seeking a specific resource or have a question, email equityadvisor at socsci dot uci dot edu and I’ll try to connect you. Comments below are my own, and links are to school and university resources and policies. Contact me for suggestions or corrections.
I. Employee Support, Benefits and Leave Policies
Employee Experience Center:
This one-stop shop connects you to UC Path (for payroll, etc.), benefits, leave policies,
health resources, OIT and more.
UCOP Benefits and Privileges:
This gives information on many possible leaves (e.g. military service, government
service, sabbaticals, etc.)
Leave of Absence – Sick Medical Leave:
This is the direct link to UCI's Academic Policies and Procedures (APP) on sick leaves
for one's personal illness.
UCI Employee Discounts:
Enjoy some discounts and perks for being at UCI!
II. Life Resources:
Mental Health, Financial Advice, Childcare, Elder care, Legal and more
UCI Life Resources Program:
Employees receive 3 free counseling sessions. In addition to mental health resources,
this website also connects you with childcare, elder care, financial advice and support,
legal support and more
UCI Mental Health Resources:
UCI also has a dedicated person on staff to assist faculty with access to mental health
resources, etc.
III. Resources for Individuals with Disabilities or who are Differently-abled
UCI Accessibility:
This website offers information about accommodation requests. If you are seeking a specific accommodation but are experiencing diffictulties in receiving it or just have questions, you can contact:
- Wendy Pawling (wpawling@uci.edu), Campus Disability Management Specialist
- Katie Dizdarevic (k.dizdarevic@uci.edu), UCI Health Disability Management Specialist
IV. Family-related Policies, Leaves and Resources (e.g. Parental Leave, etc.)
Comprehensive Slideshow of Family-related Policies and Leaves:
This slideshow explains many of the family-related policies, leaves and resources
(e.g. parental leave, bereavement leave, reproductive leave, childbearing leave, etc.)
Benefits and Privileges (regarding leaves) – “Family Accommodations for Childbearing
and Childrearing”:
This policy defines and explains the different types of leaves related to childbearing
and childrearing.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Family-related Leave Policies:
Don't miss these extensive FAQ's! They answer common family-related leave questions
ranging from parental leave and modified duties (called ASMD) for those giving birth
to ASMD for those adopting children. If you have additional questions about the policies,
you can talk to your CPO / Director of Personnel / Human Resources or you can reach out to your Equity Advisor. You can talk with your chair about teaching and service expectations.
Tenure: Stop the Clock Program:
This program applies to eligible faculty, at the Assistant level, as covered under
APM 133 and provides rules for if and when faculty can request a temporary deferral on the
review of their mid-career appraisal and/or promotion (e.g. going up for tenure).
The term "clock" here refers to the maximum amount of time faculty are given before
appraisals and promotions. Faculty might request a "stop the clock" for multiple reasons,
including the birth of a child, as one example. See the link for more details.
Career Partners Program (CPP):
All University of California campuses, including UC Irvine, offer a fantastic program
to recruit faculty who have an academic partner seeking a professor, professor of
teaching or other type of academic position. The program also incentivizes academic
units to hire partners since it's subsidized by the university. However, not enough
people know about this program! Take a look and spread the word.
Lactation Facilities and Support for Faculty with Newborns:
Recently, the university took a serious inventory of lactation spaces on campus and
has worked hard to improve the conditions and expand access to lactation facilities.
The rooms are now private, regularly cleaned and accessible. Click the link above
for how to find these rooms and who to contact if you have questions or need help
with them.
Vast array of resources, including information on childcare facilities on and around campus, as well as information specifically for faculty (i.e. “Academic Appointees”) and more. To find these resources, go to the very TOP of the website since many of the important links are under “Family Care”. If you are arriving at UCI with a family, I encourage you to spend time reviewing the entire website.
V. Immigration Resources
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center:
The UC system has a UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, which is based physically
at UC Davis and has individuals working across campuses, including at UCI. The center
offers many resources, as well as appointments. It was established “to support and
enhance the well-being of the University of California Community and to advance equity
and success in higher education through provision of free, high-quality immigration
legal representation, outreach, and education.”
UC Know Your Rights Card:
Know your rights if approached by immigration enforcement agents.
Immigration Enforcement Resources:
The UCI Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor page has compiled this
list (scroll down to Section 5) of links to policy, guidance, resources and more,
including on potential encounters with immigration enforcement.
UCI DREAM Center:
For students, faculty and staff, the UCI Dream Center has a broad range of resources
and links, including a compilation of “Training materials for educators”. The Dream
Center’s mission is: “to support those impacted by the immigration system and who
experience educational barriers as a result of their immigration status through advancing
systemic change, deconstructing oppressive policies, and fostering community. We work
towards personal growth, collective healing, and visible change”.
UCI International Center:
For students, the UCI International Center is available and students can make appointments
with advisors. The center’s mission is to “facilitate international engagement at
UCI to enhance the academic and personal experience of the international community.
The International Center staff is committed to serving campus constituents through
advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy and outreach.
VI. Housing Resources
Housing on / just next to Campus (University Hills):
UCI offers houses, apartments and condos in neighboring University Hills (also called
“UniHills”). Be aware that the waitlists are extremely long. Learn more by calling
a representative at the organization ICHA, which manages the homes and the waitlists.
UniHills Community Website:
If you are living in UniHills, there is a UniHills community website with information
on community events, renting community spaces and more.
UC-Provided Faculty Home Loans:
There are also several home loan options for those seeking a home within or outside
of UniHills.
UCI Faculty Housing Town Hall FAQs:
Important Housing FAQs from a recent townhall with the UCI Administration and UCI
Senate
VII. Resources, Policies and Advice on Promotions to Tenure and Full
UCI Policies on Merit and Promotion (APP 3-60):
This website gives an overview of the merit and promotion process and policies, therein,
for faculty who are members of the Academic Senate.
Pathways to Tenure and Promotion:
The School of Social Sciences Office of Faculty Development and Diversity developed
this amazing resource for faculty that includes extensive advice and video testimonials
from the Dean and from faculty on how to navigate the promotion process in our school.
Check it out!
Office of Faculty Development and Diversity (OFDD):
The School also has an Associate Dean and Vice Dean of Faculty Development and Diversity,
in addition to a Committee on Faculty Development, Inclusion and Diversity (CFDID). This excellent team is working to improve climate, solve challenges and support
diversity, equity and inclusion across the school. They are open to feedback and ideas.
Faculty Diversity Program (NFDD):
I highly recommend this program; I personally found it very useful. UC Irvine already
has an institutional membership so you can access many of the resources (e.g. videos,
mentorship worksheets, tips, etc.) online. You may wish to also consider the NFDD's
Faculty Success program. (FYI: Typically, the university and/or school will cost-share with you the costs
of the program so that you don't pay the full price from your research budget. You
can ask your department chair or contact the school's Office of Faculty Development & Diversity).
VIII. Communities and On-campus Resources
At the School Level At the Campus Level
- Asian Pacific Islander Staff & Faculty Association at UCI
- Black Faculty and Staff Association
- Chican@/Latin@ Staff Association
- Disability Services Center
- Iranian-American Faculty/Staff Association at UCI
- Latinx Thriving
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center
- Native American Faculty and Staff Association
- University Hills website (community events, groups, resources for those living in University Hills)
- U See I Write
- Veterans - Faculty and Staff Veterans Association
- Women - Academic & Professional Women of UC Irvine
- Women in Technology at UCI (WiT@UCI)
For more on UCI affinity groups, visit the office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
***** For additional suggestions to add to this website, please contact me through this online form. ******
Last updated: 6/9/2025