Reporting Obligations

As a UC employee, you may have certain obligations to report what you learn about incidents of violence, abuse, neglect, discrimination, harassment, or other conduct that could be a violation of the law and/or University policy.

If someone approaches you to talk about a concern that you suspect could be reportable misconduct: 

  • Respond with care and concern. 
  • Before they disclose anything, let them know about you may be obligated to report what they tell you. 
  • Connect them with appropriate Confidential Resources so they have support and understand their rights and options.

Anyone who witnesses or experiences harm is encouraged to report it, not just people who are required to make a report. Report any disclosed, witnessed, or suspected harm, even if you are unsure you are required to report it. The responsible office will determine whether the incident fits reporting criteria and next steps. For concerns that don't fit into one of these categories, you can report via the Whistleblower Hotline.

Reporting Obligations Chart

The chart below is meant to help you understand when you are required to report a concern, how to report the concern, and where to find more information. Be aware that you may need to report the same incident to multiple offices due to overlapping reporting obligations.

Topic How Anyone Can Report Who is Required to Report More Information

Sexual violence and sexual harassment 

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD): 

All UC Merced employees (including student employees) are Responsible Employees under the SVSH Policy 

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of Protected Categories 

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD): 

The following UC Merced employees are Responsible Employees under the Anti-Discrimination Policy 

  • Campus police  
  • Human Resources, Academic Personnel, and OPHD 
  • Managers and Supervisors, including Deans, Department Chairs, and Directors of Organized Research Units  
  • Faculty Members 

Abusive conduct in the workplace (e.g. bullying)  

For Emergencies: 9-1-1 from cell phone or 9-9-1-1 from campus phone.

For Non-Emergencies:

Managers and supervisors (including Deans and Chairs) 

Clery crimes that you witnessed or that were reported to you 

If there is a serious or ongoing threat, please call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone) or  (209) 228-2677 immediately. 

All other crimes may be reported to the using the CSA Reporting Form.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA) Include but are not limited to, offices, and individuals:  

  • Responsible for campus security  
  • Designated to receive crime reports 
  • With significant responsibility for student and campus activities (e.g. Registered Student Organization advisors, athletic coaches, Resident Assistants) 

Child abuse or neglect you observed or suspect and any imminent threats of harm to minors 

Do all of the following:

An individual is considered a Mandated Reporter if their duties include: 

  • Direct or indirect contact with minors 
  • Supervision of minors 
  • Supervision of other Mandated Reporters or employees who come into regular contact with minors 
  • Volunteers who come into regular contact with minors 
  • Ancillary staff who work in areas where minors are regularly present 

Workplace violence  

Employees are encouraged to report any incident of workplace violence they experience or observe through the Incident Reporting Portal, as soon as it is safe to do so.  

Incidents may also be reported anonymously, via the UC Whistleblower Hotline, by phone at 800-403-4744, or online at, www.universityofcalifornia.edu/hotline.  

Report through the Incident Reporting Portal

Incidents may also be reported anonymously, via the Online UC Whistleblower Hotline or 800-403-4744

Workplace Hazards  

Reports should be submitted as soon as a hazard is identified using the online reporting form.  

UC Merced encourages all employees to report workplace hazards that could contribute to injury, illness, or the risk of workplace violence.  

Improper governmental activity (including violations of laws or regulations, significant policy violations, or conditions that threaten health or safety)  

UC Whistleblower Hotline: 

Managers, administrators and employees in supervisory roles must promptly report certain improper governmental activity to the Whistleblower Hotline.