UC Cooperative Extension offices are local problem-solving centers. More than 400 campus-based specialists and county-based farm, home, and youth advisors work as teams to bring the University's research-based information to Californians. UCCE is a full partnership of federal, state, county, and private resources linked in applied research and educational outreach. UCCE tailors its programs to meet local needs. UCCE's many teaching tools include meetings, conferences, workshops, demonstrations, field days, video programs, newsletters and manuals. Thousands of volunteers extend UCCE's outreach, assisting with nutrition and 4-H youth development programs along with Master Gardener, and Master Food Preserver education.

Our Principles of Community

The UC ANR community stretches across the state of California. Its members – employees, partners, volunteers, community groups and clientele – engage in work that often has national and international implications. This unique community promotes and fosters the development and extension of knowledge through research, experimentation, education, discussion and reflection. The community is founded on principles strengthened by a shared mission and vision of improving the quality of life for each member in every California community. Please view the Principles of Community at this link.

Family Friendly Environment

UC Cooperative Extension Recognized as a Family-Friendly Workplace! We are proud to announce that UC Cooperative Extension in the County of San Luis Obispo (UCCE SLO) has been honored with a 2024 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award! This recognition highlights our commitment to creating a supportive environment where employees can successfully navigate their work and family responsibilities.

Family-friendly workplaces are essential for fostering employee well-being, maintaining work productivity, and creating a more inclusive and equitable community. At UCCE SLO, we are proud to contribute to these efforts, including offering a dedicated lactation space that is open not only to our unit staff but also to other neighboring County Departments and members of the public visiting these departments.

We are grateful to the SLO Chamber and the Family-Friendly Workplaces program for this honor and their work in supporting family-friendly workplaces throughout the County. As we continue to serve the community, we remain committed to supporting our employees and promoting practices that benefit families throughout San Luis Obispo County. Thank you for being part of our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of our employees and the community we serve!

Additional Staff Resources

Read more here about Family Friendly - UCCE.

In coordination with International Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1 – Aug 7), the UC Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo County launched a new Breastfeeding and Family Friendly Workplace Guidance. In compliance with UC policy, the department recognizes the importance of workplace support for staff who choose to breastfeed and the nutrition and wellness benefits of breastfeeding. This guidance designates breastfeeding/pumping spaces and provides guidance for supervisors to support breastfeeding employees. In addition, since many department employees staff work remotely at off-site locations, we have developed guidance and will make available, mobile lactation room supplies for breastfeeding employees to utilize as needed. To learn about how to support your breastfeeding employees when they are out in the field, read Employee Breastfeeding Support.

Childcare referrals and resources may be found at this link.

UC ANR Staff Assembly Wellness Committee has additional resources.

Before reporting to work, check out your Unit Guidance for Work Attire.