In Brief

UC Merced Students Invited to Tackle Real-World AI Challenges in 2026 Data Science Program

February 23, 2026

Four student standing in front of their poster at the Data Science Challenge

Applications are open for the 2026 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Data Science Challenge, a two-week summer internship that gives students a firsthand look at national lab research through high‑impact, data‑driven problem solving. “I want our students to see themselves in these...

After Nearly Two Decades, Associate Vice Chancellor to Retire

After nearly 20 years, Jan Mendenhall has announced her retirement from UC Merced. Mendenhall, who currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Executive Director for the UC...

artist rendering of downtown building with palm tree

Community Invited to Cut Ribbon on New Downtown Center

The campus celebrates the opening of its newest building, the Downtown Campus Center, next week. The building, at the corner of 18th and N streets, across from City Hall in downtown Merced, will...

Web Migration Provides Crisp Look, Responsive Design and Stronger Impact

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute has a new, modern look thanks to a recent upgrade. The university’s oldest research institute is the latest to migrate to a new responsive template that...

Athletes Score Big with Fall Fundraiser

UC Merced’s student-athletes shine on the court, the field — and in our community. This year, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) raised more than $1,000 for local foster youth...

Five Students Score Big at SACNAS Conference

Five UC Merced students brought home awards for their research at this year’s Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Diversity in STEM conference...

Sociologist to Discuss Hate Speech and Free Speech

The Bias Incident Response Team at UC Merced presents sociology Professor Nella Van Dyke, speaking on “Hate Speech and the Limits of Free Speech,” from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 29 in the California...

Students to Host ‘Sustainability Week’ Events

The Associated Students of UC Merced (ASUCM) Sustainability Council will host UC Merced Sustainability Week Oct. 23-27, during national Campus Sustainability Month. An entire week of events will...

Campus Raises Awareness About Domestic Violence

Started in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed in October across the nation. UC Merced’s Campus Advocacy, Resources...

Cybersecurity the Focus of OIT’s October Campaign

We may be halfway through October, but the Office of Information Technology (OIT)is ramping up its efforts to educate the campus community as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month. OIT staff kicked...