Student Life

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...

Pulitzer Winner, HP Executive to Speak at Commencement Ceremonies

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Héctor Tobar and HP Inc. Chief Diversity Officer Lesley Slaton Brown are the keynote speakers for the University of California, Merced’s 12th commencement...

Campus Community Steps Up to Make a Difference

From canned food to toys, UC Merced campus members enthusiastically contributed to a host of philanthropic activities this holiday season, all of which benefit the greater Merced community. These...

New Director Looks to Build on Sexual Violence Prevention Efforts

UC Merced was ahead of the curve in 2009, when it created the Violence Prevention Program to combat sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, and stalking on campus and in the community just...

Congratulations to #UCM2016, UC Merced's 11th Graduating Class

The campus posted 122 updates to social media over the weekend. Here is a curated collection of those and ones shared by members of our community. [View the story “Commencement 2016” on Storify]

Awards Ceremony Honors Campus Leaders

Each spring, the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center recognizes and celebrates students, staff and faculty members, and student organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership to the campus...

Campus Hosts First UC-Wide Chess Tournament

Chess players from across the UC system— ranging from beginners to international masters — convened for the 2016 UC Chess Championship held April 23 at the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation Center ...

Eat, Hydrate and Learn at This Year’s Earth Day Event

Most people probably don’t think about food when considering how to celebrate Earth Day. But the UC Merced Student Sustainability Council wants to help people understand how what we eat and where it...

Bobcat Day Brings Admitted Students to Campus

Students from across California and their family members will converge on the UC Merced campus April 16 for Bobcat Day. The day is an opportunity for admitted students to visit campus, and talk with...

Events Planned to Increase Sexual Assault Awareness

UC Merced’s Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) Office will kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) on April 1 with numerous events. The month of education is an...