UC Merced has been a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2010. Language justice is a motivating factor in why bilingual staff members need to review the following tips for practicing Spanish-speaking skills.
Here are some strategies on how you can be successful as a bilingual staff member:
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First, it is essential to understand that if you were hired for your bilingual skills, it does not mean you were hired to be an interpreter or to translate documents.
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Interpreting and translating documents requires special training and or skills.
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UC Merced supports and encourages career-related and job-related professional development activities, review PPS-50 for more details. Make sure to discuss training options with your supervisor.
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Request accommodations and an assessment of your workload when it is expected that you use your Spanish-speaking skills to represent the department.
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If using your Spanish-speaking skills is not within your job description, it is appropriate to request a Star Award for going above and beyond your duties.
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Practicing your Spanish-language skills, reviewing Spanish language materials, or attending a Spanish course may be justified under the UC Merced Core Competencies and Behavioral Indicators.
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Professional development activities on campus are attending the Language Accessibility Committee (LAC) meetings.
How to address microaggressions:
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If you feel targeted for being bilingual and bicultural, report it to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD).
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Seek out support from a confidential campus resource, connect with the Office of the Ombuds Office.
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You are not alone! Reach out to the LAC leadership for support.
Spanish-language Resource link:
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More resources are available through LAC.
