Dear Campus Community,
The month of October is a time to consider the effects of stress and a frequently changing environment on ourselves and those around us. October includes Domestic Violence Awareness month, World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and National Conflict Resolution Day (Oct. 18).
A new observance this year is Ombuds Day (Oct. 11). Ombuds are confidential, impartial, informal and independent conflict management professionals. Due to the nature of their work, ombuds are a great benefit to organizations and their employees because they focus on mutually beneficial solutions to conflict.
UC Merced’s two-person ombuds office includes Callale Concon and Valara Villanueva. As a team, the two assist faculty, staff, and students in navigating campus procedures and the discovery of resources in a variety of workplace conflicts. Whether the issue is one of a safety, bias, equity, harassment or related to differences in workplace habits or personalities, the ombuds are here to help you.
Tomorrow, Oct. 11, you can meet Callale and Valara at the Office of Ombuds table from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Kolligian Library patio during the UC Healthy Campus Network (HCN) celebration . While you’re there, check out the other health and wellness resources offered at the fair, which kicks off at 9 a.m. with a walk to Lake Yosemite .
Finally, I encourage each of you to familiarize yourself with the resources available at the campus and system levels. In addition to the ombuds office, we offer the following: Conflict and Crisis Resolution, Resource and Referral Options, CARE, Office of Campus Climate and Compliance and Human Resources.
Our Principles of Community reflect our ongoing efforts to create a community that nurtures respect and genuine concern for one other. Let’s start with taking care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
Warmly,
Luanna Putney
Associate Chancellor and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor
