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Fostering a Healthy Graduate Program Climate

The UC Merced Department of Cognitive and Information Sciences (CIS) has made a commitment to fostering an environment in which all members of its community feel safe, respected, and supported, regardless of their racial, national, socioeconomic or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. As part of this commitment, we have established a Climate Committee, consisting of a grad student and two faculty members. The committee is charged with the following tasks:

  • Identify institutional, structural, and cultural initiatives that advance the climate of the CIS department and community
  • Analyze existing procedures and/or programs that affect the CIS graduate community with respect to climate;
  • Act as an additional channel of communication between the faculty and the graduate student population, with a specific focus on climate matters;
  • Identify model programs or activities and support department-wide implementation;
  • Recommend to the UCM CIS graduate division changes that will improve and maintain healthy climate in the program.
  • Generate an annual report describing the state of the CIS graduate program climate.

Confidentiality FAQs

Q: I want to talk about a personal matter with the committee. What kinds of information is the Climate Committee required to report to the Title IX/EEO/AA Office of Campus Compliance.

A: All information concerning sexual assault; intimate partner violence; and stalking in which a student is involved must be reported to the Office of Campus Compliance immediately.

Q: What happens if the Climate Committee receives anonymous information about sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or stalking?

A: The Committee must report the information that we have to the Title IX Office. The Office of Campus Compliance will review the information to determine an appropriate response.

Important links

Tools for the Classroom

Mental Health Resources

Updated 2021