University of California, Merced

UC Merced Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

UC Merced is committed to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and gender discrimination. As part of a campus-wide effort to prevent and address sexual violence and sexual harassment, all students and employees are required to complete training to prevent sexual violence and sexual harassment. Athletics staff and NCAA athletes are required to complete yearly training.

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, as part of its efforts to stop and prevent its recurrence. For more information about the OPHD and your rights, including your rights under the Anti-Discrimination Policy, visit ophd.ucmerced.edu.

You can Report a Title IX incident using this online reporting link.

You can also contact the Title IX Officer or a member of the OPHD team with questions or for a consultation.

Kim Overdyck
OPHD Director and Title IX Officer
ophd@ucmerced.edu

The Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education Office (CARE) Advocate is a confidential resource that supports survivors of sexual violence, responding to the needs of students, staff, faculty, and non-affiliates impacted by stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual assault by providing free and confidential advocacy and support. CARE provides accompaniment services for victims to the police, evidentiary exams, and the court system. CARE can be reached during normal business hours at 209-386-2051.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free and confidential counseling services, as well as referrals, to current students by appointment or on an urgent basis. CAPS can be reached at 209-228-4266. CAPS has also partnered with ProtoCall, Inc. to provide after-hours emergency clinical services by calling the same number. A UC Merced professional counselor will follow-up with you as needed the following business day.

The Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, neutral, and informal dispute resolution services to everyone in the University community, provides information about University policies and procedures, and makes referrals. The Office of the Ombuds can be reached at 209-228-4410. 

Respondent Services Coordinators provide support and assistance to student respondents alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual violence, dating/violence, stalking, or sexual harassment).

For more information, please read the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment and visit the Title IX and Athletics page on the OPHD website.