UC Merced, recognized nationwide for providing access to a world-class education and transforming young scholars’ lives, is a finalist for the inaugural Excellence in Student Success Award offered by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
UC Merced is among five universities nominated for the award. APLU, with more than 250 member institutions, advocates efforts to increase student success and workforce readiness; promote research; and bolster community engagement.
Several points support UC Merced’s nomination:
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A student body in which 61% are eligible for Pell grants and 65% are the first in their families to attend a university.
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Two consecutive years ranked third by U.S. News & World Report for social mobility – a graduate’s ability to improve their economic status compared to that of their parents or their earlier life circumstances
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The Merced Automatic Admissions Program (MAAP) guarantees streamlined admission for qualifying high school students from 40 districts throughout California. MAAP students accepted to UC Merced are more than twice as likely to enroll as all other students.
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The Merced Promise expands pathways for transfer students. Construction of affordable housing and the opening of a Transfer Student Resource Center have fueled a 20% year-over-year increase in transfer enrollment.
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The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center offers access to faculty-mentored inquiry. About 42% of fourth-year students graduate with research experience, strengthening retention and a sense of belonging.
"Being selected as one of only five finalists for this prestigious award is evidence of the tremendous progress our campus is making in centering the needs of our students through strategic, data-informed initiatives," Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Betsy Dumont said.
The other nominees for the award are the University of Illinois Chicago; Northern Illinois University; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The winner will be announced in November.
APLU President Waded Cruzado said, “We’re delighted to highlight institutions that are on the leading edge of advancing student success and ensuring more students benefit from the transformational power of a college education.”
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