University of California, Merced
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Office of Student Life supports student groups on campus focused on academic, cultural, and peer support for affinity groups. Examples of department programs include: Social Justice Initiatives (provides training's, workshops, discussions, and retreats for students, staff, and faculty around a broad spectrum of social justice issues), Women’s and LGBTQ Programming (provides training's, workshops, discussion series, and other events specifically in support of women and those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community). Student Clubs and Organizations (supports over 200 student led clubs and organizations), and Student Conduct. Student led clubs and organizations that support underrepresented groups include Black Student Union, Hermanas and Hermanos Unidos, Hmong Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Best Buddies, Lambda Alliance and several others. The Calvin E. Bright Success Center at UC Merced also provides several programs that support underrepresented groups to include the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, the Guardian Program, and the DARTS Program. The Fiat Lux Scholars Program at UC Merced serves to provide assistance and support to first-generation and income-eligible students at UC Merced through a structured system of resources and intrusive advising that promotes campus engagement, familiarizes participants with the culture of higher education, and motivates them to achieve academically and persist in College. The Guardian Scholars Program provides a sustainable network of academic and personal support services that promote degree attainment for foster youth at UC Merced. The Degree Attainment for Returning and Transfer Scholars, DARTS Program, provides support to transfer students who are often underserved in regards to the communication of resources, opportunities for mentorship, and social/networking opportunities. The DARTS program assists transfer students in acclimating to the university and locating necessary resources within it. The DARTS program also engages transfer students in the campus community while they prepare for their future in graduate studies, professional schools, and internships. Student Affairs also provides support for veteran students and students with disabilities.

The University of California, Merced does have a discrimination response policy. Any acts of discrimination can be reported to the Office of Campus Culture and Compliance. This office receives and responds to reports of bias, discrimination, hate crimes, as well as sexual violence incidents and ethics/compliance concerns. Individuals who have been the victim of, or witnessed discriminatory acts may submit a report, file a complaint, or seek resources and support through Office of Campus Culture and Compliance. Additionally, reports may also be made to the UC Merced Police Department and the Office of Student Conduct. The Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form can be used to file a complaint on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. There are several teams on campus who respond to incidents involving students, staff and faculty. The Student Response Team provides response and support to students of concern and students in crisis. The Case Management Team and Behavioral Intervention Teams respond to behavioral cases (including violence) involving students, staff, and faculty. Students who are victims of, or witnesses to bias/hate related or discriminatory acts/incidents may receive support via the Counseling and Psychological Services office. Staff and Faculty may use the Employee Assistance Program for support. All community members may also seek support services through the Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) office for incidents involving sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking), and the University Ombuds office to find out about reporting options and impacts.

Other referenced websites: https://catlife.ucmerced.edu http://learning.ucmerced.edu/programs http://disability.ucmerced.edu http://veteranservices.ucmerced.edu http://safezone.ucmerced.edu/resources http://housing.ucmerced.edu/housing/living-options