Student Life

Commuter Student Finds Belonging at UC Merced

March 31, 2026

Most weekdays, civil engineering major Jacqueline Garcia travels 45 minutes each way from her hometown of Hughson to attend classes at UC Merced. “The perk is being able to pursue my undergraduate degree while still having a tie to home. It's been great having the campus here in the...

Campus Community Gathers at Bridge Crossing to Cheer 'Magnificent' New Students

An elementary school field trip to UC Merced sealed the deal for Rajanae Jenkins. The sixth-grader liked its newly minted buildings and the easy drive from her Fresno home. Fast-forward more than...

Meet incoming first-year student Lizet Martin-Martinez.

Incoming Atwater Student Drawing on Discipline and Training for College Success

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Lizet Martin-Martinez might not have had any family role...

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...

Water Polo and Outdoor Track Add to Growing Roster of Sports at UC Merced

UC Merced is adding men’s and women’s water polo and men’s and women’s outdoor track as varsity intercollegiate sports beginning in the 2022-23 academic year. This...

Meet Emanuel Armando Angel an incoming first-year student for fall 2022.

Student Innovator to Join Bobcat Family

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. When deciding on a university, Emanuel Armando Angel, known...

Meet Ariana Valera an incoming first-year student for fall 2022.

Local Athlete, Student Leader Chooses UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Ariana Valera was born and raised in Merced. The fact that...

Meet Edwin Casillas an incoming first-year students for fall 2022

Highlighting a Dynamic, Diverse and Accomplished Cohort of New Bobcats

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Edwin Casillas chose UC Merced for many reasons, he said. He...

UC Merced Honors Graduates with Historic In-person Commencement

A wave of blue and gold covered the recreation fields at UC Merced as more than 2,400 students walked the stage during the first in-person spring commencement in three years. The three-day...

Student Commencement Speakers to Share a Message of Unity and Perseverance

In front of more than 1,400 fellow Bobcats, Cathryn Flores and Maya Morris, the student commencement speakers for the Class of 2022 will share their words of congratulations and encouragement with...