The Student Advocate’s Office is a nonpartisan executive office in the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUCD), and is fully independent of University administrators and faculty. We provide free and private casework services to students navigating disputes with the University as represented by OSSJA with the aim of providing students the expertise and support to explore their options and advocate for themselves fully.

Our office conducts services under two divisions: Academic and Conduct advising. The Conduct advising services we offer provide guidance to students who have been suspected of violating the Code of Conduct, or face conduct allegations with other University-related entities (for example, in Residential Life or co-ops). The Academic Division supports students navigating academic grievances or suspicions of violating the Code of Conduct ( for example, plagiarism, grade disputes, and unfair testing procedures). Academic and conduct caseworkers can assist at any stage of the process, including attending meetings and hearings in an advisor role, supporting students in navigating their case materials, and answering questions about conduct procedures.

We understand that navigating behavioral and academic disputes can be very isolating and stressful. However, our peer-to-peer support model ensures that UCD students seeking our services are supported emotionally in conjunction with breaking down University policy, Student Code of Conduct, and procedures.

We connect students seeking our services with a peer student academic and/or conduct advisor who will schedule a 1-1 consultation. All support is centered around students and aims to educate all UCD students regarding their student rights and general welfare through an equity-based approach. Further information regarding our office and services can be found on our Student Advocate Office Instagram account @sao.asucd and our intake form can be found at: https://linktr.ee/sao.asucd