General Student Grievance Procedures (Student Conduct)
The Student Grievance Procedures documentation is developed by the Chancellor and approved by Student Academic Services at UC Office of the President, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel, and outlines procedures to resolve grievances claiming to have been the subject of any of the following types of University action:
- Violation of privacy rights.
- Discriminatory practices based on gender.
- Discriminatory practices based on disability.
- Discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin.
- Other types of actions that may be grieved, such as discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, age, or marital status, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, citizenship, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled.
In addition, the Student Grievance Procedures, in 901.E.3.c, cover the process for complaints related to grading.
Discrimination and Sexual Violence Prevention (Including Title VII and Title IX)
Title IX prohibits sex or gender discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
UC Merced is committed to creating and maintaining a community free of all forms of discrimination and harassment, including gender discrimination. Gender discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, which are prohibited by law and University policy.
The Title IX office takes reports of gender discrimination, including allegation of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Title IX coordinator ensures that all complaints are handled in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Improper Activities and Whistleblower Hotline
The University of California has a responsibility to conduct its affairs ethically and in compliance with the law. If you suspect that a UC employee is engaged in improper governmental activities, you should know that UC has policies on "blowing the whistle" and protection from retaliation.
Improper governmental activities include: Violations of state or federal laws or regulations (e.g., corruption, malfeasance, bribery, theft or misuse of government property, fraud, coercion and conversion); economic waste; and gross misconduct, gross incompetence or gross inefficiency.
Campus Climate
This Office of Campus Climate was created to coordinate and support strategic initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion at UC Merced for all campus constituents. The office works with others throughout the campus on accountability, infrastructure and resources that support inclusive excellence, where equal opportunity, mutual respect and cross-cultural collaboration are fostered. The office also 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.
Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) grants four specific rights to the student. These rights begin as soon as the student enrolls or registers with an academic program of the university:
- The right to see the information that the institution is keeping on him/her.
- The right to seek amendment to those records and in certain cases append a statement to the record.
- The right to consent to disclosure of his/her records.
- The right to file a complaint with the FERPA Office in Washington, D.C.
Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds is designed to serve as a safe, alternative channel for confidential, neutral and informal dispute resolution services. Students can come to the office and explore their resources and strategies for campus-related issues or concerns. This could include workplace issues, interpersonal conflicts, academic concerns, bureaucratic slow-downs and other problems. Our services are always voluntary and reports do not constitute a formal notice to the university. Discussion with an Ombudsperson is off the record. The Office advocates for fair, equitable and healthy campus climate.
