Depending on their roles at UC Merced, staff and faculty have varying reporting responsibilities and abilities to maintain confidentiality. In order to make informed choices, one should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements when consulting campus resources.
The confidential resources listed on this page are not required to report, however the resources listed on Report to Campus Administration and Report to Legal Authorities pages are required to report.
Confidential Resources
Confidential resources exist in order to provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their options, learn about resources and discuss any concerns before deciding to take next steps. According to university policy, individuals who consult with confidential resources are advised that their discussions are not considered reports of sexual harassment or sexual violence and that without additional action by the individual, the discussions will not result in any action by the university to resolve their concerns. With few exceptions (including imminent risk of harm or danger), they cannot share information without your expressed written consent. Additionally, this information is not considered an official report to the university.
Confidential resources include:
CARE Office Campus Advocate
Provides free and confidential assistance for all UC Merced affiliates (including undergraduate students, graduate students, staff and faculty)
Campus Advocate: 209-386-2051
Valley Crisis Center
Provides free and confidential services to individuals and families who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.
24-hour hotline: 209-722-4357 (HELP)
http://www.valleycrisiscenter.org/ Located at 1960 P. Street in Merced
UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services (Students Only)
Provides free and confidential counseling services through individual, couple and group formats, as well as crisis intervention, for all registered UC Merced students (undergraduate and graduate). Walk-ins welcomed.
24-hour hotline: 209-228-4266 counseling@ucmerced.edu
Located in the UC Merced H. Rajender Reddy Health Center
INSIGHT Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (Employees Only)
INSIGHT offers employees and their household dependents 3 counseling sessions every 6 months with a licensed professional to assist with work/life concerns.
Phone: (800) 422-5322 Email: insighteap@insighteap.com
UC Behavioral Health Benefits (Employees Only)
UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their behavioral health benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists.
The Office of Ombuds is a place where UC Merced community members — students, staff, faculty, lecturers, postdoctoral scholars, and administrators — can go for assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes or complaints on an informal basis. We are a voluntary, off-the-record office resource. Visitors’ identities and the content of their conversations are always confidential, except in rare cases when the ombuds determines there is a risk of imminent harm to self or others. *Contacting the Office of Ombuds does not put UC Merced on formal notice of your concerns.* 209-228-4410 Located in the UC Merced Student Services Building, Room 211
Confidentiality in Reporting Crimes
When reporting crimes to the police, individuals who are survivors (victims of crime) have rights to keep certain information confidential, including protecting victim and witness information in police, arrest and investigative reports. To learn more, seek assistance from the Campus CARE Advocate: 209-386-2051.
