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Threat Management (BIT)

In order to fulfill the mission of the University of California, Merced, it is essential that UC Merced employees are able to work in an environment that is safe and free from acts of intimidation, threats of violence or actual violence. Security and safety in the workplace require the cooperation of every staff, faculty and student employee.

When responding to an emergency, perceived emergency, or suspected criminal conduct, call 911.  If you encounter a disruptive employee whose behavior may include threats to self or others, you should call a member of UC Merced Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).The BIT is comprised of a small group of UC Merced administrators responsible for the University employee threat assessment and management process.

If you are a supervisor, manager or other person in authority who receives a report of threat to self or others by a UC Merced employee, you should immediately contact a BIT member or email bit@ucmerced.edu

Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

Luanna Putney
BIT Chair
Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff

t: 209-201-3491
e: lputney@ucmerced.edu

George Gongora
Lieutenant

t: 209-228-7941
e: ggongora@ucmerced.edu
 

Dr. Tania Gonzalez
Director, Counseling and Psychological Services

t: 209-228-4266
e: tgonzalez23@ucmerced.edu

Cesar Alvarado-Gil
Chief Campus Counsel

t: 209-228-2406
e:calvarado-gil@ucmerced.edu

Heather French, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students

t: 209-228-4482
e: hrench@ucmerced.edu

Hector Escalante
University Ombuds

t: 209-228-4410
e: hmescalante@ucmerced.edu

Cindi Zimmerman
Risk Manager

t: 209-386-3079
e:czimmerman3@ucmerced.edu

Vanessa Hauser
BIT Coordinator

t: 209-228-0069
e: vhauser@ucmerced.edu

Download the employee resource guide, Supporting Employees in Distress

Responding to Employees in Distress