UC Merced will become one big family affair when it hosts its annual
Family Weekendon Oct. 20 and 21. The fun-filled weekend will offer something for the whole family - from carnival games and activities for the little ones to open houses and receptions for moms and dads.
The idea behind Family Weekend is to give the entire family a sense of what their child or sibling does at college, said
Enrique M. Guzman, programs manager for the
Office of Student Life.
Such an opportunity is especially valuable here at UC Merced, Guzman said, because more than half of the students say they are the first in their families to go to college, and Family Weekend helps encourage the continuation of college-going in those families as younger siblings experience the excitement of UC Merced.
This is a chance for the entire family to see the university and meet the people involved in their student’s life away from home while having fun in the process, Guzman said.
The weekend kicks off with a welcome brunch at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 20 and ends with another brunch Oct. 21. In between, the
Parent-Family Associationwill meet and elect officers, the university’s schools will host open houses and campus police will discuss student safety. Need to know more? The entire agenda for Family Weekend is
available online.
The Family Mini Carnival is among the most popular attractions of the weekend. The carnival will offer more than 15 booths run by
on-campus clubs. It’s a win-win for all involved: Participants get to choose from a variety of games and activities, with the proceeds benefiting the clubs that host each activity.
Our student groups get to make a little money to fund club activities and everyone involved gets to have fun, Guzman said.
Other weekend highlights include an awards reception for the Family of the Year and Students of Excellence, a volleyball game pitting students against
alumniand a concert featuring the group 24/7.
Ticketsare $45 each, which includes a keepsake for each registered participant. Students should plan to pay only for their meals, either by using their
Cat Cardor another method of payment.
