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News and Notes: Campus Hosts Writing Conference, Citizen Police Academy; Blood Drive

September 11, 2018
Hands typing on a laptop.
English Professor Juan Guerra, author of “Language, Culture, Identity and Citizenship in College Classrooms and Communities" is keynote speaker at the eighth annual UC Writing Program Conference at UC Merced on Nov. 2 and 3.

Equity, diversity and inclusion is the theme of the eighth annual UC Writing Program Conference at UC Merced on Nov. 2 and 3.

English Professor Juan Guerra, chair of the University of Washington’s American Ethnic Studies department, will present his research addressing translingualism, transcultural repositioning and ethnographic methods.

The two-day conference — from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 3 — is free but those who plan to attend need to RSVP.

Guerra’s work has appeared in “The Norton Book of Composition Studies,” “The Journal of Advanced Composition” and “College English.” He also co-edited “Translingual Work in Composition,” a special issue of College English. His most recent book is “Language, Culture, Identity and Citizenship in College Classrooms and Communities.”

In advance of the conference, organizers are requesting workshop, panel, roundtable and poster proposals that address equity, diversity and inclusion from multiple perspectives. Proposals must be submitted to ucwritingconference2018@gmail.com by Sept. 15 for priority consideration. Detailed information regarding proposal submissions is posted online.

Conference sponsors are the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts , the Office of Undergraduate Education, The Karen Merritt Writing Program , the Office of Campus Climate and Compliance , the Global Arts, Media and Writing Studies department and Fountainhead Press .

Conference participants are also invited to take part in UndocuAlly training to better understand undocumented students’ needs, or to take a guided walking tour of the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve after the conference ends on Nov. 3. Both the ally training and vernal pools tour are limited to 25 people.

Calling All Cars: Campus to Host Citizen Academy

If you’re interested in UC Merced’s Police Department or you want to know how law enforcement relates to everyday life, consider signing up for the department’s Citizen Police Academy .

The free, eight-week program is open to UC Merced students, employees and the public. Eligible applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to UC Merced students and employees who apply. The academy meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from Sept. 26 to Nov. 14.

Discussion topics include:

  • Introduction to UC Merced Police services and the criminal justice system
  • Community policing
  • Traffic stops
  • DUI investigation
  • Use of force
  • High-technology crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault

Participants can also ride with UC Merced police officers and will take part in law enforcement scenarios. To apply for the Citizen Police Academy, submit an application by 5 p.m. Sept. 21. Applications can be submitted by email to police@ucmerced.edu or in person. Questions? Contact the UC Merced Police Department at 209-228-2677 or by email .

Give Blood, Get a $5 Togo’s Coupon

Students, faculty and staff members are invited to give back by donating blood during UC Merced’s blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Joseph E. Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center. Each eligible blood donor will receive a $5 coupon from Togo’s. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Blood drive organizers ask potential donors to bring photo ID and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. For eligibility information, call 209-228-2273 or visit the Student Health Center.