What's the difference between an affirmative action goal and a quota? Does the University of California have a quota system?

An affirmative action goal provides a target to strive for and to measure the success of your recruitment efforts.

A quota indicates that the result is pre-determined and inflexible.

The University does not set quotas. Rather, the University sets affirmative action recruitment goals with the expectation that hiring managers conduct inclusive recruitment when there is a job opening. It is the University's policy to select the best qualified person for the job and to document recruitment/selection efforts.