Campus Community

Open Arms, Open Skies: Students Welcomed at Spirited, Soggy Scholars Bridge Crossing

August 26, 2025

Spirits were high and futures bright while all else was soaked in a summer storm that made Tuesday morning’s Scholars Bridge Crossing, UC Merced’s traditional greeting to new students, a welcome unlike any before. Call them Thunder ‘Cats. The ceremony embraced about 2,000...

Zulema Valdez Appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for EJIE

Zulema Valdez has been selected as UC Merced’s associate vice chancellor for Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence (EJIE). In making the announcement, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity...

Founding Faculty Member Martha Conklin Bids Farewell to Campus Community

Professor Martha Conklin started her career at UC Merced at the Castle Research Facility, and it began with a frightening surprise. “I had a baby rattlesnake in my office,” she said....

Scholars Bridge Crossing Event (Slideshow)

Thousands of incoming UC Merced students participated in the Scholars Bridge Crossing, one of the university's earliest traditions. The annual event is a rite of passage for new Bobcats...

The Labyrinth Provides Space to Reflect, Meditate and Find Peace on Campus

Just in time for the start of the academic year, UC Merced's newest landmark has opened —The Labyrinth. Located in Kelley Grove overlooking Little Lake, UC Merced Art Director Collin...

Move-in Weekend 2023 (Slideshow)

UC Merced welcomed back thousands of students to campus for the start of the university's 19th academic year! From Aug. 17-20, family and friends joined incoming Bobcats as they arrived on...

Bobcats Returning to New Features and Opportunities at UC Merced

UC Merced is preparing to welcome back thousands of students to campus for the start of the university's 19th academic year. From Aug. 17-20, family and friends will join incoming Bobcats as...

Students to Present Wide Array of Research at Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

UC Merced students will present research conducted over the summer at the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. The research presentations...

Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz and Professor Teenie Matlock at the dedication of Toloma Grove.

Matlock Retires After Stellar UC Career

In the early days of building UC Merced, founding faculty member Teenie Matlock took on lots of tasks that were well outside her job description. Over the years, she expanded her service to the...

Clovis Native Excited to Represent the Central Valley Playing for UC Merced Volleyball Team

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. When Clovis native and lifelong volleyball player Morgan Wilson...