Resources

Resources to develop an equitable trauma-informed grievance process for students & mentors

Many of these resources are specific to UC San Diego, and may not be available to non-students. Please note that most resources are discreet but not confidential, because they are staffed by mandated reporters. These individuals are required to report abuse, harassment, and discrimination per the Clery Act. 

For specific contacts in each Division or Office, please email us at ucsd.bhac@gmail.com or contact@gsa.ucsd.edu 

Grievance Process Resources for Students in Immediate Distress:

• Bullying & Harassment Advocacy Committee (BHAC)

  • This peer-support group provides logistical support for students actively in distress, and also coordinates a regular meeting with campus partners to develop supporting policy. BHAC specializes in supporting students leaving abusive or hostile lab environments, identifying what institutional, legal, and community resources to use to support the student.

  • Volunteer or get help with this form

• Graduate and Professional Student Association

  • This student organization has been recognized by administration, and is paid for by student fees. These elected students represent and amplify student concerns. While impacted, these peers will be able to advocate for graduate and professional students.

  • Contact VPEDI at vpequity@gpsa.ucsd.edu

• TritonCORE

  • This pilot (Winter 2023) program is a co-response for individuals experiencing a psychological emergency (acute psychological breakdown). Students may call UCSD emergency services to request TritonCORE as there is no direct line yet.

• EDI Office

  • The Division of EDI also includes service and justice in our community. This office has extensive resources on trauma-informed care, reconstructive frameworks for equitable leadership, and other modules. VC Petitt would also like to be made aware of individuals who do not uphold our Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.

• Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) & Title IX

  • This office serves all campus cases of harassment and bullying as defined by UCSD “Protected Categories”. This office also takes cases relating to sexual abuse & harassment. Seeking out OPHD, even if the case is out of jurisdiction, protects the individual from retaliation.

• CARE @ SARC

  • This office specializes in care for sexual assault victims. This is one of two confidential organizations on campus. They also hold workshops on trauma-informed care, which is important when reviewing cases of mental health and suicidal ideation.

• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • While CAPS counselors are able to provide psychological services and mental health support to individuals, the department is also a source of knowledge on power dynamics, identifying trauma, and communication practices.

• OMBUDS

  • OMBUDS provides confidential mediation services. Use OMBUDS when the student-PI relationship is still healthy enough for conversations, since it is helpful to identify or correct miscommunications or expectations.

  • OMBUDS is not a recommended resource for students looking for a grievance process, as anything discussed in an OMBUDS mediation cannot be used to hold parties accountable. This step is often necessary when asking if students have “talked” with their aggressor, which risks additional trauma to the student.

• Graduate Division (GEPA, Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs)

  • Graduate Division is meant to serve graduate, professional, and post-doctoral students/fellows. While not able to execute a grievance process, they are able to facilitate resources and apply pressure to programs and/or leaders.

• Student Affairs

  • Student Affairs serves student interests and experience. This is the most student-centered division on campus, with additional resources, programs, and communication. Student affairs can help facilitate a grievance process, but will not be involved.

• Case Management

  • This small department supports students in distress and helps triage their concerns. Case management will act as student advocates to find resources to help the student navigate their bullying/harassment/other.

• Student Legal Services

  • This office provides an initial consultation for students, to help identify what legal recourse they may have within or without the university. Seeking out SLS automatically prevents a student from any retaliatory actions.

• Office of Students with Disabilities

  •  This office serves students who are actively taking classes to find accommodations for access. Director Joanna Boval has also developed modules for faculty on inclusive teaching practices as it relates to disability access.

• Disability Counseling and Consulting

  • This office serves employees with workplace accommodations. This is the recommended resource for graduate students with an employment contract, like a stipend.

Resources to Develop an Equitable Mentorship and Grievance Process:

• Mentorship for All Program

  • This program seeks to support students (primarily undergraduates) through mentorship. This is a data-driven program, Dr. Williams will have resources on how the charge was built.

• Student Retention & Success

  • While not able to participate in a grievance process, this office will have data on student attrition in programs as well as access to the annual climate surveys indicating the level of systemic bullying and harassment that goes unreported.

  • https://srs.ucsd.edu/about/theory/index.html#Basic-Assumptions-and-Concepts-

• The MCOD Model

  • ​​The Multicultural organization development (MCOD) is a process of change that supports and organization moving from an exclusive to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable organization. This is not an easy or rapid change, but is worth the effort.

  • The Teaching and Learning Commons is currently undergoing this process (as of 2022) and can provide feedback.

• The School of Public Health

  • The school of public health has made EDI a core value in their organization structure. They are the one of the most diverse and score highest on campus surveys. Several programs may be helpful to emulate:

    • Faculty Mentorship Program

• The Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion

  • Lead by Dr. Gentry Patrick, this institution examines how to improve the well-being of faculty and students. While not a resource for a grievance process, this group will have resources on training and mentorship.