Faculty and Staff

As staff and faculty of UC Merced, we understand the unique challenges faced when working closely with students. Often, students disclose to someone they feel they can trust; this is often a teacher or supervisor, and processing the information can be difficult. The campus advocate can help process the information the staff or faculty received.

Undergraduates are not alone in dealing with interpersonal violence; if someone you know (staff or faculty) needs support and resources, the campus advocate is available to help with things such as crisis intervention, safety planning, legal support with restraining orders, and other community resources. Advocacy support from the CARE Office is available to all members of the campus community.

CARE Services

All services provided by the campus advocate are confidential. As employees of Valley Crisis Center, the advocate is available to meet on campus, in a safe public place off campus, or at Valley Crisis Center’s main office located at 812 W.18th Street in Merced.CARE services are available to all campus affiliates, including staff and faculty. Services include:

• Confidential Advocacy Services
• Support with processing disclosures
• Support with understanding reporting responsibilities

We are also available for collaborative prevention programs including:

• Class announcement
• Workshops
• Tabling and outreach events

For Services after 5 PM or On weekends:

Valley Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline
Call: 209-722-4357

UC Merced Police Department
209-228-2677 or dial 911

General Inquiries: Valara Villanueva, CARE Director
Email: vvillanueva2@ucmerced.edu

Reporting and Responsible Employees