Information for Clients

SAO is a confidential* resource, and our policy is to keep all student client information confidential* to the full extent possible. 

Under some circumstances, discussing or sharing relevant portions of your personal information with campus departments may improve SAO’s ability to assist you. Examples of this can include (but are not limited to):

• Discussing a grievance case with the Office of Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, the Disability Access & Compliance office, the Disability Students Program, or PATH to Care.
• Seeking financial assistance for enrolled and unenrolled students in collaboration with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office or the Basic Needs Center.
• Providing support for re-admittance or withdrawal through the Educational Opportunity Program.
• Navigating enrollment, residency, billing, and financial aid issues with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, the Office of the Registrar, or Cal Student Central.
• Discussing information related to medical insurance or SHIP billing issues with the University Health Services department
• Discussing an academic case (such as grade appeals, academic misconduct, and professor/GSI disputes) with the Academic Senate, college deans, and/or academic department heads.

Before sharing any of your information with campus departments, we will advise you in advance and confirm your agreement to share that information.

SAO and the Caseworker shall notify the Client upon discovery of any unauthorized disclosure of confidential* Information by the Caseworker, and will cooperate with efforts by the Client to help the Client regain possession of confidential* Information and prevent its further unauthorized use.

The Caseworker may also disclose confidential Information in a situation where the Client poses an immediate and clear threat to their own self, the Caseworker, or another individual. In such a situation, the Caseworker may contact emergency services (such as Center for Support & Intervention or UCPD if the caseworker is in immediate danger) either immediately or shortly after meeting with the Client. 

While SAO strives to provide excellent service, we do not offer legal or representative assistance. Our caseworkers seek to help you better understand procedures and possible outcomes, but all decisions are yours to make. If you ever need clarification, your caseworker will be happy to help; however, your caseworker will not be able to make decisions for you.

In order for your caseworker to provide the best service possible, we ask that you be honest with your caseworker and comply with their requests for information relevant to your case.

SAO cannot guarantee that you will achieve the result that you seek in your case. Given that SAO is a resource for clarification and advice, rather than serving as your representative, by using our services, you understand that you cannot hold us responsible for any insufficient, undesired, or negative outcomes.

Should you have concerns about your caseworker’s efforts or performance in your case, please reach out to the relevant Division Director and the Chief of Staff or Student Advocate. Our contact information is below.

Please feel free to browse our website for more information and resources.

• Counseling and Psychological Services at the Tang Center: UHS Tang Center, (510) 642-9494
• Gender Equity and Resource Center: 202 Cesar Chavez Student Center, (510) 642-4786
• UC Berkeley Food Pantry: MLK Student Union, Room 68, foodpantry@berkeley.edu
• Bear Pantry (for student parents): University Village in Albany, thebearpantry@berkeley.edu
• Sexual Harassment and Violence Survivor Support Information and Resources
• Respondent Services
• Cal Student Central: 120 Sproul Hall, (510) 664-9181
• Ombuds Office: 102 Sproul Hall, (510) 642-5754
• Student Legal Services: 102 Sproul Hall, (510) 664-7487

If you have feedback about your caseworker you would like us to know, please fill out this form at any point during your case. You can report anonymously or provide your contact information. This is also the form you should fill out if you would like to change your caseworker for any reason. We value your feedback and want to ensure you have the best experience with SAO possible.