Who can I ask for help with Retaliation?
The Bullying and Harassment Advocacy Committee (BHAC) is a graduate student support group that is intending to help graduate students who have or are experiencing harassment, discrimination, & bullying at UCSD. The current processes to report and remedy these kinds of situations are often complicated and overwhelming. This includes official (Title IX office, OPHD, UAW) as well as unofficial methods (switching labs, taking a leave of absence, other measures to leave or improve the situation).
What is Grade Retaliation?
Under the laws of the State of California, retaliating against a student worker for withholding strikable labor in their capacity as a worker is illegal. Retaliation includes giving failing grades because of strike activity for courses under codes like 500 (TA) and 299 (research) where the purpose of the course is to allow a student to work as an ASE or GSR.
We are here to help you navigate the process of addressing retaliation. These situations can come in many forms and we invite anyone, particularly those who are feeling alone, to reach out even if you are not sure if your situation is applicable.
Contact Us
If you have received an ‘Unsatisfactory’ (U) grade for a 500 or 299 (or other work associated) course, as a result of striking or experienced any form of strike retaliation, please reach out by filling out this UAW form so both union and BHAC advocates may contact you.
If your situation involves some other form of harassment or discrimination at UCSD, or you would like to become a student advocate please add your name to this form to get in contact*.
Drop-In Support Hours
BHAC will be hosting confidential support hours* every Thursday at 4:30 PT https://meet.google.com/ypm-gfxk-jaq .
Once you have contacted us, a Peer Advocate or UAW Representative will reach out to you to discuss your specific situation, goals, and possible next steps.
*Any information shared in support hours will be confidential except during the report and remedy process with your explicit consent and involvement.
Recommended: Contact BHAC to get a peer Advocate to walk you through the process. It's feasible to do independently, but a Peer Advocate can help write emails or be cc-ed for additional support.
Confirm the student's contact information, and review the Standard Operating Procedure before getting student consent to continue
Collect documentation of the Unsatisfactory grade, like an unofficial transcript from TritonLink or a timestamped screenshot.
Collect timestamped documentation of strike activity. This can be email receipts from UAW check-ins, photos, documents/spreadsheets, etc.
Student may decide to submit a Grievance with UAW. This is a legal action, and a UAW representative may need to be involved in filing. If a grievance is filed, any additional retaliatory actions may be added as it occurs.
Recommended: Send an email to OPHD reporting Grade (Employment Status) Retaliation. OPHD will not be able to respond or review the case, but the submission protects against any additional retaliation.
Submit a Grade Appeal by first emailing the Retaliating Professor asking for a response within 7 business days. If the Retaliating Professor does not respond, escalate per Academic Senate Policy 502
Time Sensitive: Per Academic Senate 502.B.1 The student must attempt to resolve the grievance with the instructor within the first month of the following regular academic quarter.
BHAC recommends including a time contraint in the initial email to prevent additional student distress from the socioeconomic consequences of an Unsatisfactory grade (loss of healthcare, stipend, and academic hold)
Evaluate Student’s current support needs. Students will be presented with the following categories and, if comfortable disclosing information, will self-report on projected stability over the next four weeks. Sections may be left blank. The Advocate should not prompt the Student to complete the Support Needs sections.
Physical Health & Health Insurance Needs
Psychosocial Health & Health Insurance Needs
Financial Support
Housing Support
Food Security
Transportation
Support for Dependent(s), including pets
Thesis Work Environment
Interactions with Retaliating Supervisor
Time Commitment to Grievance Process
File a Triton Concern Form with UCSD Case Management
Optional: Connect the Student with UCSD Student Legal Services, requesting an appointment specifically about Grade (Employment Status) Retaliation
BHAC Peer Advocate will schedule a debriefing and follow-up meeting after five (5) business days. This will give external bureaucratic processes time to act.