Hispanic-serving Institution

UC Merced Celebrates 15 Years as a Hispanic-serving Institution

October 8, 2025

Photo depicts a graduation cap with writing on it in Spanish at UC Merced's commencement.

Fifteen years ago, UC Merced was designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. And though recent developments at the federal government have left what that designation means in limbo, the mission of serving the university’s largest demographic has remained unchanged. More than 53 percent...

New Name, Bold Mission to Foster Inclusion, Representation at UC Merced

As of July 1, UC Merced's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion transitioned to the Division of Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence (EJIE), with an official launch planned in conjunction...

An image shows stills from the film "El Ojo Comienza En La Mano."

Professor's New Film Featuring Campesino Artist to Premiere in Merced

The new film by filmmaker Yehuda Sharim, "El Ojo Comienza En La Mano" ("The Eye Begins in the Hand"), features the life work of Central Valley artist and muralist Rubén A. Sánchez...

Community and Labor Center Benefits from New Annual State Budget Allocation

The UC Merced Community and Labor Center will increase its capacity to conduct research and public service on issue areas affecting low-wage workers and residents, as it shares in California...

UC Merced Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer Delia Saenz

Delia Saenz Takes Reins of UC Merced's Equity, Justice and Inclusion Mission

Horses, cattle and other livestock dotted broad, flat ranchland as the rental car followed Highway 140 toward Catheys Valley. It was February 2022. Delia Saenz was seeing the San Joaquin Valley for...

UC Merced announced the expansion of the Merced Automatic Admission Program (MAAP) for students at Dinuba Unified School District (DUSD).

UC Merced Expands Opportunity for Students in Dinuba to Attend College

The University of California, Merced, continues to pave the way to success for local high school students. The campus announced the expansion of the Merced Automatic Admission Program (MAAP) for...

Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship to assist students.

Alumna Establishes Scholarship to Help Future Generations of Students

As part of her goal to give back to her alma mater as well as the San Jose community that supported and fostered her growth, UC Merced alumna Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship...

Linda Barreto is the first Latina in Fresno County to pass the Immigration Law Legal Specialist Exam

Alumna Becomes First Latina in Fresno County to Pass Immigration Law Legal Specialist Exam

As a first-generation Latina, Linda Barreto says she understands the importance of perseverance and determination to prevail in life. It’s a mindset that has led her to become the youngest and...

People line up to receive information about COVID-19 and workers' rights at an event in Huron, California.

Community and Labor Center Receives Historic $6.5 Million Award

The UC Merced Community and Labor Center (CLC) has received a historic multimillion-dollar award to continue its mission of conducting research and educating the public about low-wage work,...

Organizers give a presentation during Worker Week of Action.

Report Makes Case to Provide Unemployment Benefits for Undocumented Workers

Tens of thousands of undocumented immigrant workers in California could receive aid from an unemployment benefit system if the state approves the program. UC Merced's Community and Labor Center...