September 2024
With the start of the new academic year, we would like to remind folks about the following policies:
1. Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Policy
Effective January 1, 2023, the University of California issued a new Presidential Policy that defines and prohibits Abusive Conduct in the Workplace. Please refer to the policy (hyperlinked) for definitions, prohibited conduct, responsibilities, and procedures. Additionally, please refer to the following link for more information and how to file a complaint: https://hr.ucmerced.edu/hr-units/employeelabor-relations/abusive-conduct....
2. Anti-Discrimination Policy
Effective February 20, 2024, the University of California issued a new Presidential Policy on Anti-Discrimination that defines and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation in order to ensure equitable and inclusive education and employment environments. Please refer to the policy (hyperlinked) for definitions, prohibited conduct, responsibilities, and procedures. As provided in the policy, individuals may report to the Local Implementation Officer, any Responsible Employee, or another appropriate office such as the Academic Personnel Office (APO), Student Affairs, Human Resources (HR), or Office of the Provost. For questions regarding this policy, please contact the OPHD & Title IX Director, Kim Overdyck (koverdyck@ucmerced.edu).
We would also like to share some updates from our campus partner, Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD):
1. Accessibility and Disability Rights
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. For more information and resources, please refer to the following link: https://ophd.ucmerced.edu/resources/accessibility-and-disability-rights
2. Pregnancy and Parenting
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex - including pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, and parental status - in education programs, activities, and employment. For more information and resources, please refer to the following link: https://ophd.ucmerced.edu/pregnancy-and-parenting
CAP Meeting Schedule AY 2024-2025
CAP’s Fall 2024 meeting schedule is available on the Academic Senate website:
Fridays from 1:30 – 3:30 pm via Zoom, starting September 27 and ending December 13 (exception: November 29/Thanksgiving week).
Schedule for Academic Personnel Actions
The Schedule for Academic Personnel Actions has been updated to include Career Equity Reviews (CER). The date due from the School to APO is February 1.
Postdoc Anniversary Date
Friendly reminder to check Postdoc Anniversary dates regularly.
Postdocs on an initial two-year appointment will have an anniversary date 12-months from the start date (or their initial start date as a transfer). As the postdoc approaches their 10th month, the PI will need to determine if the “release” portion of the contract will be used; if not, the unit or school staff will need to submit a Postdoc Anniversary Form to payroll to change the anniversary date to 24-months after the start date. Postdocs get 24-days of PTO for the first 12-months of the appointment. When the anniversary date is reset, this triggers UCPath to remove any remining PTO and a new 24-days of PTO. A new 12-days of sick leave will also be added.
Overview of APM 025 Policy Revisions
Please review the following resource for an overview of the recent policy revisions to APM 025- Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities of Faculty Members and Designated Other Academic Appointees. The slides also discuss prior approval requirements and best practices.
Deadline for Sabbatical Requests – AY 2025-2026
All sabbatical requests for AY 2025-2026 should be submitted to the Academic Personnel Office no later than March 1, 2025. If you have any questions regarding the new deadline, please do not hesitate to contact Esmeralda Martinez at emartinez35@ucmerced.edu.
