Dear Campus Community,
The end of the academic year is quickly approaching, and commencement is just two weeks away. Students are preparing for finals and working on projects to close out the year. This can cause heightened stress and anxiety, both among our students and those whose job it is to ensure those students succeed.
This weekend, members of our campus community raised concerns about specific social media posts. While we cannot share the details of the posts in question, please know that the UC Merced Police Department reviews all such matters immediately and carefully, investigates and implements security measures as appropriate, and will notify the campus if it is concerned for the safety and well-being of our community.
We encourage anyone who sees or hears concerning behaviors, actions, verbal statements or social media posts to contact the UC Merced Police Department immediately at 209-228-2677 or police@ucmerced.edu. If it is an emergency, please call 911. Information will be reviewed expeditiously and appropriate actions will be taken so that the campus remains safe, our students can focus on learning, and the university can focus on its mission of teaching, research and public service.
Concerns about students who might pose a threat to themselves or others should be reported to a member of the Student Response Team (SRT), which works to develop individualized intervention strategies. If you encounter a disruptive employee whose behavior may include threats to self or others, contact a member of UC Merced Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), a group of UC Merced administrators responsible for the employee threat assessment and management process.
It is important, too, that everyone in our campus community is aware of the resources available for those who might be struggling. Students can contact Counseling & Psychological Services 24 hours a day at (209) 228-4266. The CARE Office provides confidential resources for those impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking. And INSIGHT, our employee assistance program, is available for staff and faculty.
We remain committed to working collaboratively to make UC Merced an outstanding research university, and a safe and welcoming campus for all of our students, staff and faculty.
Sincerely,
Chou Her
Chief of Police
Charles Nies
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
