Campus Life

New Dining Space Mural Honors Native Heritage, Student Perseverance

June 6, 2025

Hidden for a year behind two large barn-style doors, a powerful new mural now adorns the walls of the Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center. The latest piece of public art on the UC Merced campus explores Native past and future with themes of identity and representation. Funded through a grant from...

Master Arts Plan Will Play on Campus’s Beautiful Spaces

In some ways UC Merced is still a blank canvas, even 13 years after opening. But that just gives this year’s artist in residence Otto Rigan more room to dream as he helps devise a master...

A large group practices yoga outdoors at UC Merced.

Celebration Showcases Programs, Resources to Make Campus Community Healthier, Happier

UC Merced already strives to be the most sustainable and innovative research university. Now, a new initiative aspires to help the campus become one of healthiest — and students, staff and...

An aerial video of individuals clad in blue formed in the shape of California, with a heart in the middle.

New Year Begins With New Students, Spaces and Programs

UC Merced began its 14th academic year today, welcoming new and returning students into new buildings. Students moving in this year are the first to experience the newest residence halls, Glacier...

Men’s Soccer Team Gaining in Recognition and Rankings

The University of California, Merced men's soccer team enters the season this week ranked No. 23 in the NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll. The ranking marks the first time in program...

A large crowd of campus community members stand in line for food at UC Merced's new dining center, The Pavilion.

The Pavilion Serves Up Tasty Fare, More Menu Options in Bigger Digs

Before Executive Chef Mitch Vanagten and his Dining Services team members saw blueprints for The Pavilion — UC Merced’s new dining center and centerpiece of the Merced 2020 Project’...

Two students hold a sign that reads: Welcome to UC Merced. Welcome to the Community. Welcome Home!

Events Prepare Campus Community for Fall

Never mind the holidays. For Ron Radney, the most wonderful time is the start of a new academic year. Since joining UC Merced three years ago as director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Radney...

Dining Pavilion Opens Doors for Sampling Event

Want a taste of what the Dining Pavilion has in store for the campus community this fall? On Monday and Tuesday, you’ll have the chance for your own sneak peek. Our UC Merced chefs are...

News and Notes: Yosemite Podcast Features Faculty, Free Tacos and Farewell to Summer

UC Merced Faculty Discuss Yosemite in New Podcast Series Debut Capital Public Radio has launched a new series about Yosemite National Park, and School of Engineering faculty members Catherine...

UC Merced Gets Into the ‘Act’

Shakespeare wrote “the play’s the thing.” Of course, he was referring to using a play to catch a murderer, but in Shakespeare’s day, people believed the theater had the power...

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