Student Life

UC Merced Receives 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award

September 12, 2025

The University of California, Merced, has received the 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The annual HEED Award is a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and...

Incoming first-year student Preston Nguyen knows how to balance academics and soccer.

Soccer Standout Heads to UC Merced this Fall

Since age 5, Preston Nguyen has been kicking around a soccer ball. “I have been consumed by the sport ever since,” the Turlock native said. “I can play any role in the midfield,...

UC Merced, Yosemite Community College District Launch Transfer Program

UC Merced and the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) have partnered to further extend access for transfer students in the Central Valley. By signing the Merced Promise Pathway Program...

SoCal Student Says UC Merced Will Be a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. It's the change of pace that Kayla Lopez has been craving. In...

Incoming UC Merced student Delia Rodriguez

Incoming Fresno Student Prepares to Launch Her Health Career at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Delia Rodriguez poured her heart into college prep — ...

Two students pose for a photo in the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad at UC Merced.

Orosi Friends Seek Community, Diversity and the Written Word at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. With a population of about 8,700 people, the Tulare County town of...

A graduating student smiles during Spring 2022 Commencement.

10 Things to Do Before Graduating from UC Merced

Final exams are keeping Bobcats busy. The temperature is starting to creep up, ushering in the feeling of summer. Spring 2023 Commencement is fast approaching. For students who are about to...

UC Merced Track Sweeps Cal Pac Championship Team Titles

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's and women's outdoor track teams swept the team titles at the California Pacific Conference Championships on Friday at...

UC Merced's mascot Rufus and a student pose for a photo.

Bobcat Day Attracts Record Crowd to UC Merced

The excitement was palpable at UC Merced as a record number of people descended on the campus for Bobcat Day. More than 5,700 students, family members and friends attended the annual open house event...

Four UC Merced students pose for a photo on the bike path along Lake Road.

Students Spruce Up Bike Path Near UC Merced

Keeping a community clean takes a lot of effort and sweat equity from the people who call it home. That's why Bobcats rolled up their sleeves and got to work to make the area right outside UC...