A minority group is a group that is disadvantaged with respect to the dominant group in terms of social status, education, employment, wealth, and political power. Council of Minority Organizations (COMO) was established in 1989 to provide a forum for campus groups who are working together to shift this imbalance.

The purposes of COMO are:

  • To provide a forum for discussion to strengthen ties between UCSF minority organizations on issues of mutual concern.
  • To provide access to information at the campus and Office of the President level.
  • To provide a standing mechanism to deal with issues that arise out of conflict.
  • To promote the general welfare of minorities at UCSF by organizing forums and other special events and by fostering cross cultural exchange activities.
  • To encourage a uniform and consistent flow of information to all minority organizations from all levels of campus and systemwide administration.

Member Organizations

The Black Caucus has been the catalyst for more equitable working and academic environments since May 4, 1968. The caucus now serves as an instrument for the formation of a Black consensus on those racial matters that affect every person on campus.

Ira Wilson-Butler: iwb@sfghdean.ucsf.edu or 206-5568

Patricia Winston: pwinston@medsfgh.ucsf.edu or 206-8326

The Latin American Campus Association (LACA) has been working since 1969 to sensitize the UCSF campus community to the culture, interests, and needs of the Latino community.

LACA: http://www.ucsf.edu/laca/

Odilie Orantes: oranteso@radonc.ucsf.edu or 476.3512

The United Filipino Employees' Association (UFEA) has been working since 1971 to give voice to and promote the social, cultural, intellectual, and moral well being of the Filipino community.

Fe Mikey Damian: FeMikey.Damian@ucsfmedctr.org or 353.2825

Nellie Taha: Nellie.Taha@ucsf.edu or 353.2075

The Native American Health Alliance (NAHA) has, since 1986, actively addressed issues of concern to native students, staff and faculty, and the UCSF administration. NAHA's mission is to advance representation of Native Americans on campus and promote cultural awareness.

NAHA: http://ucsfsnative.blogspot.com

Sandy Canchola: cancholas@PTRehab.ucsf.edu or 502.2481

Aja Duncan: Aja.Duncan@ucsf.edu or 502.4528

The Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA) has been a member of the umbrella organization for the UC system since 1988. APASA works to strengthen the professional and social relationships within the campus community and promote the diverse cultural heritages of the Asian Pacific people at UCSF.

Gail Mametsuka: Gail.Mametsuka@ucsf.edu or 514-1611

Judy Fuller: Judy.Fuller@ucsf.edu or 476-1051

Laurie Rojas: Laurie.Rojas@ucsfmedctr.org or 353.8865