The new academic year is a momentous milestone for UC Merced — two decades of growth, innovation and achievement. In 2005, the first undergraduate students were welcomed on the new campus. Now, 20 years later, thousands more new students will begin their own journeys that will shape their futures and the future of UC Merced.
“To all of our new and returning students: You are critical drivers of our university and among the primary reasons we continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence in all that we do,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “In merely two decades, UC Merced has unequivocally transformed lives, advanced research and built a vibrant community in the heart of the Central Valley. This anniversary is a well-earned reminder of how far we’ve come and an inspiration for what lies ahead.”
Staff and student volunteers are preparing to welcome new Bobcats to their on-campus housing during move-in weekend, Aug. 21-24. To ensure a smooth transition for all students, they must make a move-in appointment and check in at the UC Merced Conference Center upon arrival.
Before delving into classes and coursework, about 2,000 first-year and transfer students are invited to take part in one of UC Merced’s oldest traditions — Scholars Bridge Crossing. On Aug. 26, new Bobcats will gather near the Pavilion dining hall to receive a warm welcome from university leadership. Then, surrounded by the cheers of staff and faculty and led by Muñoz and campus leaders, students will walk across Scholars Bridge and through the Beginnings sculpture. Since the first Scholars Bridge Crossing in 2005, this symbolic walk has marked the beginning of students’ academic journeys at UC Merced.
To further foster a sense of community and academic belonging, students will be greeted by their respective schools. New this year: Immediately following the celebration, the schools of Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts will host welcome receptions for their students. Those who have not yet declared majors are invited to attend a reception hosted by Undergraduate Education.
With the celebrations concluded, the academic journey begins. Classes will be back in session Aug. 27. Starting this semester, students will have additional academic offerings to choose from. New majors include communication and media; neuroscience; science, technology and ethics; aerospace engineering; biochemical and biomolecular engineering; biochemistry; biological sciences; management of innovation, sustainability and technology; and ecology, evolution and conservation biology.
In tandem with academic expansion, UC Merced is enhancing campus safety. The campus community will have access to the new Bobcat Safety App — the university's official safety tool launched by the UC Merced Police Department. The app offers students, faculty and staff essential campus safety resources and communication tools. It is free and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Each user must register with a UC Merced email address.
Beyond academics, UC Merced is also making strides in athletics. This fall, UC Merced will compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II. The Bobcats will join the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), one of the nation’s most prestigious Division II conferences. Nearby CCAA institutions will provide new regional rivalries and opportunities for community engagement. With Bobcat athletics leveling up, the university is launching the Bobcat Club — an initiative to support scholar-athletes and fuel the growth of intercollegiate sports at UC Merced.
The university’s first home Division II athletics competition also serves as the perfect occasion to celebrate UC Merced’s 20th anniversary. On Sept. 5, the campus community and public are invited to watch the women’s soccer team take on Simon Fraser University at Bobcat Field at 7 p.m. The evening will kick off with a pregame tailgate with food trucks, performances and student-athlete meet-and-greets. After the game, the night sky will light up with the Fiat Lux drone show. Tickets are required and available for purchase here.
Public Information Officer
