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Conflict Resolution & Violence Prevention

UC Merced Principles of CommunityDiversity Statement.

 

Graduate Academic Counselor

In December 2019, UC Merced Graduate Division hired Maria Nishanian, its first Graduate Academic Counselor, making UC Merced the fourth school in the UC system to have such a position.  Maria's role will assist graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who are experiencing challenges affecting their academic progress. She can facilitate communication between mentors and mentees, provide graduate students, faculty and postdocs with training on best practices in mentorship, and help with other issues common to graduate students, such as adjusting to graduate school, work- life balance, dealing with the imposter syndrome, etc.  She also can serve as concierge, helping direct students to resources around campus, and she will work closely with related offices on campus such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Office of the Ombuds, the graduate support staff in each of the schools, and the Basic Needs Hub.

To set up an appointment, please reach out to Maria by phone at 209-947-9358 or email her at mnishanian@ucmerced.edu.  Refer to this flyer for additional information.

 

Office of the Ombuds

A picture of a lake          Ombuds Logo

Need help resolving a potentially difficult issue? The Office of Ombuds Services is designed to serve as a safe, alternate channel for confidential, neutral and informal dispute resolution services. Faculty, lecturers, postdoctoral scholars, staff, students and anyone else with a campus-related concern may use the Office of Ombuds Services to discuss workplace issues, interpersonal conflicts, academic concerns, bureaucratic slow-downs and other problems. 

All services at this time are being held remotely by phone and video.  Learn more at https://ombuds.ucmerced.edu/

A Safe Place to Talk

You don't have to be having an extreme conflict or problem to come in to talk to the Ombuds. Often issues are easiest to resolve before they have a major impact. We like to say we can be, "Your first step, last resort or anywhere in between."

Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)

The logo for Campus Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE)

Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) provides prevention education for the UC Merced community to achieve an environment free from the threat of sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking.  They provide free, confidential and knowledgeable support for those impacted by sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking.  They encourage the UC Merced community to step in and speak up against a culture that allows sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking to occur.  Info pertaining to graduate students.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the office on campus will not be open.  For serivce please call the campus advocate Lynna Cano.  Learn more at https://care.ucmerced.edu/.

 

Office of Campus Climate

The Office of Campus Climate develops an integrated conflict-management system for faculty, staff and students to voice their concerns, work to resolve issues and contribute to a conflict-competent organization.  Director De Acker is available to work and support individuals, groups, teams and units on an informal and private basis.  Please feel free to contact her at (209) 228-2598 or dacker@ucmerced.edu regarding any issue, questions or concerns.

Learn more about the office at https://conflict.ucmerced.edu/about.

 

Dean of Students Office

This branch of the Student Affairs division is a central space for students, parents, staff, and faculty to receive assistance with navigating the complexity of student life.  The offices serves as an advocate to students and their support networks in times of personal, academic, or community crises, such as utilizing the Students of Concern form to connect students with campus resources.

Request an appointment with an advocate or learn more at https://studentaffairs.ucmerced.edu/dean-students.

 

UC Merced Police Department

The UC Merced Police Department serves the campus community and the surrounding area 24 hours a day.  If you believe there is a threat to yourself or others, you can choose to call 209-228-2677 (CAT-COPS), dial 911, or text an anonymous tip at 209-626-8826.  More information on how to contact UCMPD. They have information pertaining toward recommended actions regarding what to do if there is an imminent threat toward yourself or anyone else in the campus community.  Some of this info can also be found here.  UCMPD also has a variety of programs and services benefiting the UC Merced community.

Learn more at https://police.ucmerced.edu/.

 

Did you find any conflict resolution resources on campus that are not mentioned here?  Please let us know by using this form.